CONTENTS
I. FROM OLD ENGLAND TO NEW ENGLAND. II. THE FIFTEENTH GIFT. III. IV. IN SCHOOL. V.
OUT OF SCHOOL. VI. VII. VIII. IX. X. XI. XII. THE RUSE, AND WHAT CAME OF IT. XIII. BOOKS OF HIS BOYHOOD. XIV. XV. THE "COURANT" IN TROUBLE. XVI. THE BOY EDITOR. XVII. THE YOUNG SKEPTIC. HOW HE QUIT BOSTON. XIX. XX. THE WALKING COMEDY. XXI. GETTING ON. XXII. GOING UP HIGHER. THE SURPRISE, AND ITS RESULTS. XXIV. HIS RETURN, AND WHAT CAME OF IT. XXV. WORKING, READING, AND COURTING. XXVI. A BOGUS SCHEME. AT HOME AGAIN. XXIX. UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE. XXX. XXXI. NO LONGER A SKEPTIC. MORE HONORS AND MORE WORK. XXXV. PHILOSOPHER AND STATESMAN. BOYHOOD TO MANHOOD. I. FROM OLD ENGLAND TO NEW ENGLAND. Besides, I think
the new country promises much more to the common people than the old in
the way of a livelihood." "I should enjoy
escaping from the oppression of the Established Church as much as
you; but it is a too important step for me to take without much
consideration. "In part, perhaps. The Benjamin Franklin of
this volume, our young hero, was named for him. "I think it would be more difficult for him to arrange to go
than for most of us, at least for the present. My grandfather, Thomas, who was born in 1598, lived in Ecton
till he was too old to continue his business, when he retired to
Banbury, Oxfordshire, to the house of his son John, with whom my
father served an apprenticeship. My grandfather had four sons, who grew
up, viz. : Thomas, John, Benjamin, and Josiah." "Perhaps I shall conclude to accompany you when the time comes. "No, not in so many words. This anecdote I had
from Uncle Benjamin." "That is good," answered one of the neighbors; "we must have one of
the Franklins with us to be well equipped. "So we think. Indeed, I have mentally concluded to
go if I can arrange my affairs as I hope to." There is no record to show that he was ever sorry
he came. II. THE FIFTEENTH GIFT. "And a son, too; he must bear the name
of his Uncle Benjamin." answered the
relative, inquiringly. "Well, a baby is no curiosity in your family," remarked the relative,
laughing. Each child imposes
an additional obligation upon parents to be true to the Giver as well
as to the gift. I am poor enough, but no man is poorer for a large
family of children. He was a true
Christian man, and took the Christian view of a child, as he did
of any thing else. Each child born was born to an inheritance
of want. "What do you think of the idea of taking this baby into the house of
God to-day, and consecrating him to the Lord?" "It is only a few
steps to carry him." "I should think it would harmonize very well with your opinion about
children as the gift of God, and the Lord may understand the matter so
well as to look approvingly upon it, but I think your neighbors will
say that you are rushing things somewhat. "That is so; your wife is a woman of sound judgment as well as of
strong character, and you are wise enough to recognize the fact, and
act accordingly. There is no doubt his relative thought that Mrs. Franklin would veto
the proposition at once, and that would end it. Therefore, Benjamin was wrapped closely in flannel blankets, and
carried into the meeting-house in the afternoon, where he was
consecrated to the Lord by the pastor. He furnished light, which was more
necessary than color to almost every one. Time has stolen its blue, but
not the name and date. Into this building, also, he removed his family
from Milk street, soon after the birth of Benjamin. There is no doubt that this custom exerted a molding influence upon
the household, although the music might have been like Uncle
Benjamin's poetry, as compared with the music of our day. III. When Benjamin was seven years old he had not been to school a day. His precocity put him in advance
of most boys at seven, even without schooling. But it was
a store in which, with other articles, toys were kept for sale, very
few in number and variety compared with the toys offered for sale at
the present day. But there were no toys in
the Franklin family; there were children instead of toys, so many of
them that money to pay for playthings was out of the question. he inquired, almost out of breath. "Plenty of them, my little man," the proprietor answered with a smile,
at the same time proceeding to lay before the small customer quite a
number. They are very nice whistles." inquired the merchant. The merchant replied:
"Yes, you may have a whistle for that. Take your pick." "Ignorance is bliss," it is said, and it was to Benjamin for a brief
space. He wanted nothing
more. He had seen all he wanted to see. To him, that was
all there was of it. Military parade had no charm for him, for he could parade himself
now. A band of music had lost its charm, now that he had turned himself
into a band. seen all I want to see." A whistle was all the holiday he wanted. continued his mother; "Something to make us
crazy?" asked his older brother, John. "All the money I had." "Yes, every cent of it." "No, I told the man I would give him all the money I had for one, and
he took it." You are a poor trader,
Ben." That would have been
proper." You ought to
have known better. If you had five dollars I suppose that you would
have given it just as quick for the whistle." The whistle was worth that to him, and he bought it
for himself, not for any one else. You did as well as other boys do the first time." "I think so too, Ben," joined in his mother, to comfort him. "John is
only teasing you, and trying to get some sport out of his holiday. Better wipe up, and go out in the street to see the sights." You love
stories, and will excuse my telling one of myself. My brothers, sisters, and cousins,
understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times
as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I
might have bought with the rest of the money, and laughed at me so
much for my folly that I cried with vexation, and the reflection gave
me more chagrin than the _whistle_ gave me pleasure. "In short, I conceive that great part of the miseries of mankind are
brought upon them by the false estimates they have made of the value
of things, and by their _giving too much for their whistles_. IV. IN SCHOOL. That is your tithe. By
all means, if possible, I should devote him to the Church. "Well, if it drops that is enough," replied Mrs. Franklin. It won't hurt him to begin, if I should not be able to put
him through a course." "I have decided to send you to school," said his father to him, "but
whether I shall be able to send you as long as I would like is not
certain yet. "I should like to go to school; I should like nothing better,"
answered Benjamin. "About the rest of it I do not know whether I
should like it or not." HE WAS A PIOUS AND PRUDENT
MAN, SHE A DISCREET AND VIRTUOUS WOMAN. 89. 85." "Yes, he was always so," responded Mr. Franklin. He taught
himself, and a book has always been of more value to him than any
thing else." said Mr. Williams,
inquiringly. So it was with
Franklin, and so it was with Daniel Webster. V.
OUT OF SCHOOL. "I expected it, as I have intimated to you. "If they have as many children to support as we have, you might add. What a pity that boys who
want an education, as he does, could not have it, and boys who do not
want it should do the work." If I could have it now, I should send Benjamin to
college." "True, very true, and my uppermost desire is to put Benjamin where
duty points. inquired Mrs. Franklin. There are many things you can do as
well as a man." "I should like to know what?" said Benjamin, rather surprised that he
could be of any service in the candle business at nine years of age. This was a new view of the case to Benjamin, and he was more favorably
impressed with candle-making by these remarks. He allowed his dislike
to interpose and hinder his progress. You will not accomplish much in any business without a good knowledge
of arithmetic. It is good for boys, who are likely to want their own way, to be
brought under exact rules. He was a fashionable young
man, too; we should call him a _dude_ now. His name was Harry Garland. "Our father's yea
was yea, and his nay, nay; and that was the end of it." VI. "I feel worse and worse
about it." You
will have to make the best of it. "And starve, too?" rejoined his father. If they are idle when they are young, they
will be so when they become men, and idleness will finally be their
ruin. He allowed no drones in his family hive. All must be
busy as bees. There is no doubt that his early discipline on this
line gave to the world his best sayings on this and other subjects. Then do not squander time, for that is the
stuff life is made of." "Drive thy business! If any thing,
he disliked it more and more as the weeks and months dragged on. When Benjamin became the famous Dr. Franklin, and was in the habit of
standing before kings, he often recalled this maxim of Solomon, which
his father dinged rebukingly in his ear. His anxiety for
him was great. It shed light,
but it was not the sort of light that Benjamin wanted to radiate. Never, never, with my consent. So you must
not persist in your wish, if you would not send me down to the grave." He might
be dead. They could scarcely believe their eyes. I
should almost as lief bury you. "I have tried to like it for two
years, but dislike it more and more. If I could have my own way, I
would not go to the factory another day." "If you want to
throw yourself away, body and soul, go before the mast. VII. "Well, he can look into that; I have no objections to it; it is a good
business. I will let him examine others, however, and take his choice. I do not
want to go through another experience with him, such as I have been
through two years in the candle-factory." He saw but one way out of the difficulty. "I should like it vastly better than making candles, though I have not
examined it much. It will take some time to go the
rounds." "But I want he should examine other trades," replied his father. "Perhaps he will not know as well what he wants," rejoined Samuel. "My mind is partly settled now," said Benjamin. "I should choose any
trade on earth in preference to making candles and boiling soap. "Do you like it well enough to choose it, Benjamin?" Then he will know what you can
do, and you will know how you like it." He was
soon another boy in appearance, contented, happy, and hopeful. He was ready to receive him as an
apprentice, and Benjamin was willing to be bound to him until he was
twenty-one years of age. He
had but one price. So there
was some gain to Benjamin. He was fond of fishing, also; and there was a marsh,
flooded at high tides, where the boys caught minnows. inquired John. "Nowhere. "That may all be, but they can afford to lend them to us for a little
while; they will be just as good for their use after we have done with
them." "And get ourselves into trouble thereby," answered a third boy. "And so will I." "And I, too." "Then three of us will hitch on and carry them," replied Benjamin. "The largest must go first," suggested John. "They are capital stones
for the foundation. Come, boys, let us make quick work of it." So they went to work with a will and "where there's a will there's a
way," in evil as well as good. Sometimes three or four of them worked away at a stone, rolling it
along or lifting, as necessity required. "It may cost more than you think for before we get through with it,"
suggested John. "I should like to hear his remarks to-morrow morning, when he
discovers his loss," remarked Benjamin; "they will not be very
complimentary, I think." "I am more anxious to know what he will do about it," responded John. "But I must
hurry home, or I shall have more trouble there than anywhere else. Come, boys, let us go." His conscience was on duty. "Fixing up a place for the boat." "We built a wharf." "We built it of stones." "No, sir." It was a bad scrape,
and he could see no way out of it except by telling the truth. But there was no chance for a falsehood. He was completely shut up to
the truth. "And that makes your guilt so much the greater. VIII. Your love of learning will have a better chance there, too." answered Benjamin. "Well, you are a good reader, and have an intellectual turn, being
fond of books; and a printing office must have more opportunities for
mental improvement than the shop of a cutler. "I want _you_ should think it best, too," rejoined his father. "If you
have no inclination to be a printer, I do not want you should
undertake it. You will not succeed in any business you dislike." "I do think it best to try this," replied Benjamin. "If James thinks
well of it, I shall, for he knows all about the trade." This was a good opportunity on the whole, for
printing was in its infancy in our country at that time. "It does not seem quite right for one brother to be bound to another
for nine years," added Benjamin, thoughtfully, and after some
hesitation. "But such is the custom, however it may appear, and it must be done so
to have every thing right and legal. Taverns, inns, and ale houses he shall
not haunt. There is no evidence that Tinsley was ever found. Sometimes they were half
clothed and fed. Sometimes they were beaten unmercifully. He was not given a day's schooling by
either master, nor one holiday, nor the privilege of going to meeting
on the Sabbath, nor was he half fed and clothed. He liked it. The
business liked him, too; that is, he had a tact for it--he was adapted
to it. Hence, he
became even fascinated with it. I like it
better and better." If you like
it as well as James does, you will like it well enough. Fidelity is a
cardinal virtue, remember." When Benjamin had served two years at his trade, he had become
indispensable to his brother. His judgment
was excellent. And he was punctual. In order to command the more time he was promptly at his
work, and efficiently discharged every duty. There is no quality that does more
to gain a good name for an individual, and inspire the confidence of
his fellow-men, than this one of being on time. It is lost by him who
is _behind time_, as the aforesaid scholar was. There is no doubt that it exerted a large influence in
placing him next to Washington among the founders of our republic. IX. Indeed, I am so
unobservant of it, that to this day I can scarce tell, a few hours
after dinner, of what dishes it consisted. his mother replies, in a facetious way, instead of reproving
him. You know I do not love that, and
never did." "If you will hold your tongue, and get it yourself, you can have it." "And let me have some, too," shouts another child. May I have some, pa?" "And I, too," exclaims still another. "I must have some if Henry and
James do." Even so, Holy Father, for so it seemed good in thy
sight." He died just four years
before I was born, on the same day of the same month." It was a theme of conversation at his
father's table and fireside. X. But it was
otherwise with Benjamin. And he enjoyed it, too. Swimming was his favorite sport. "Well, you see, John, if I do not invent something to greatly increase
speed in swimming," continued Benjamin. I want to do better yet. They do not understand themselves,--what
they are for and what they can be if they choose. I want to
know more than I do about many things, and I mean to. I
will notify you when it is ready, and we will try it. You are a sort of
skipper on legs, now." "It looks as if you might do something with it. "Capital," added John Collins. "Not so easily as I expected," answered Benjamin. "The apparatus is
hard on the wrists, and makes them ache. said John,
inquiringly. "Not entirely so. inquired two or three at the same time. "You shall see; it is more simple than this apparatus," replied
Benjamin. "Any time you will all agree to be here. You will not know what it is
until you see it." John was talented, and a great
reader. In their tastes, love of books, and high aims, they were
suited to each other. "I see it now. He saw at once that Benjamin was going to make a sail of
his kite, and cross the pond. "Ben is
only a ship, now, and the kite is his sail. "Not much skill in that way of swimming," suggested another youth;
"nor much fatigue, either. "And hold on to the kite," added another. Benjamin
said:
"The motion is very pleasant indeed, and I could swim all day without
becoming fatigued. But there is no skill in it, as you say." In a little
time, being desirous of amusing myself with my kite, and enjoying at
the same time the pleasure of swimming, I returned; and, loosing from
the stake the string with the little stick which was fastened to it,
went again into the water, where I found that, lying on my back and
holding the stick in my hands, I was drawn along the surface of the
water in a very agreeable manner. The story is a familiar
one, and should be repeated here. The girls are
not as simple as you think they are. I believe that females are not a
whit inferior to males in their mental qualities." replied
John. "That may be true, and still they stand upon an equality in respect to
intellect. "As we tell other things," answered John. "Well, I must go," said Benjamin; "but I think you have a weak cause
to defend. "A poor one, I guess," quickly added John. And so saying, they parted. "How so?" "In some respects, not in all, I mean," added his father. "_I_ rather think not," answered his father. "I hardly think I
have attained perfection in writing yet." Nor was it a very difficult
task. "Industry pays debts, while despair increaseth them." Almost any boy can
have that. Mr. He took up the study of Latin, and pursued it until he could
read it fluently. He read all the standard poets, and had copies of
their works in his library. XI. It was regarded generally as a wild project. The field was
not large enough. There is no doubt that Benjamin had an idea that the paper might have
in its columns some of his fugitive pieces, sooner or later. inquired
Benjamin. "None at all. I have no
fears about that." "No more than you will be obliged to pay in any other family, but more
than I shall ask you. He was really one of Tryon's converts. They could eat what they pleased, and so
could he. You want to know more, and make the most of yourself
that you can. It will help you, and I shall
be kept whole in my finances. You shall have it all." But it was not a good bargain that he was after; he
was after the books. "However, I
ought to be satisfied if you are." "I live well enough for me. "I will risk it. Making up for misspent time, I see. He regretted
his neglect of the study now, and was determined to make up his loss. "I think it must be a sort of luxury to pay old debts, if one has any
thing to pay them with," remarked Benjamin. "Well, you estimate time as closely as a miser counts his money, Ben." Time is money to you, or
else you would allow me a little more to myself; and it is more than
money to me." "How so?" "It enables me to acquire knowledge, which I can not buy with money. Unless I were saving of my time, I should not be able to read or study
at all, having to work so constantly." "Many a little makes a mickle." "Silks and satins, scarlets and velvets, put out the kitchen fire." "In short, the way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way
to market. My brother, being yet
unmarried, did not keep house, but boarded himself and his apprentices
in another family. My brother and the rest going from the printing house to their
meals, I remained there alone, and, despatching presently my light
repast (which was often no more than a biscuit, or a slice of bread, a
handful of raisins, or a tart from the pastry cook's, and a glass of
water), had the rest of the time, till their return, for study; in
which I made the greater progress from that greater clearness of head,
and quicker apprehension, which generally attend temperance in eating
and drinking. XII. THE RUSE, AND WHAT CAME OF IT. The "knot of liberals" who wrote articles for it, met often at the
office to discuss their contributions, and the state of public
sentiment more or less affected by this venture. In a little while some of the "knot of
liberals" came in, and the article was read to them. inquired one. "Somebody wrote it who knows how to wield his pen," said another. "The author is evidently a person of ability," added another; "every
sentence in the article is charged with thought. "That is so; and the sooner it is published the better," remarked one
of the company approvingly. It was almost too good to be real. Not one
boy in a hundred could have managed to keep the secret as he did, in
the circumstances. was the most common
inquiry. "A queer signature to put to an
article," he said. "I thought we should hear from that writer again," was all the remark
that Benjamin vouchsafed. added James, as he read the caption. It is
somebody of note." "If you know, why have
you not disclosed it before?" "Well, the author did not wish to be known until the right time came,
and that is a good reason for keeping the matter secret, I think." "Perhaps I will if you are very anxious to know." His time of triumph had come. That would have been human, and Benjamin was
human. "But it is not your handwriting." "No one that you have dreamed of." I am all the more anxious to learn who it is," he
continued. You are joking, surely," replied one. "Yes, I do mean it. You can see for yourselves." The "knot of liberals" was never so amazed, and now they all turned to
Benjamin, and he had to speak for himself. "However, that did not quite please him, as he thought it tended to
make me too vain. He carried
it home, without a name, or the least clue to his ancestry. But poverty stood in his way, and there was little prospect
of his hopes being realized. "I will go through the printing office into the ministry," he said to
his adopted mother. So, at fifteen, he became a printer in Boston. He was too young, when he was taken away,
to remember that he had a sister. We
met in the same family. Could we, who were lookers on,
think it real? We received the story of his life from his own lips. XIII. BOOKS OF HIS BOYHOOD. His mind was a voracious eater, much more of an eater than
his body. My books kept me from the ring, the dog-pit,
the tavern, and saloon. "The dialogues that are carried on in it," replied Benjamin. "It is all interesting. "It was written in Bedford jail, England," continued his father. "Then he was a minister, was he?" said Benjamin. "They thought that he was doing evil, no doubt. I mean the enemies of
the Gospel. He read this so
much and carefully that he was made very familiar with the characters
therein--information that was of great service to him, later on, in
his literary labors and public services. Concede his theory of witches, and it had
been cruelty to man not to hang them. When Benjamin had exhausted the home stock of reading, he showed his
sound judgment by saying to his father:
"I wish I could have 'Burton's Historical Collections'; it would be a
great treat to read those books." "It would, indeed; they are very popular, and I should like to have
you read them. But how to get them is more than I can tell." "I should rather keep both; but I have read 'Pilgrim's Progress' until
I know it by heart, so that I would be willing to part with it for
Burton's books, if I can get them in no other way." "Well, you can see what you can do. "Perhaps I can sell Bunyan's books for enough to buy Burton's,"
suggested Benjamin. "Well, you may do that, if you can; I have no objection. Doctor Johnson referred to these books in one of his letters: "There
is in the world a set of books which used to be sold by the
book-sellers on the bridge, and which I must entreat you to procure
me. In order to refute the arguments of deists, it was necessary to
print them in the tracks. "Yes, sir, I read considerable every day." "Not all. "Thank you very much," answered Benjamin, exceedingly gratified by
this unexpected offer. "Boys who like to read as well as you do, ought to have books enough,"
continued Mr. Adams. "Very much obliged. But you are used to short naps, I expect." I frequently read a volume through, a little at a
time, before we have a chance to sell it." "You could not have your evenings here for reading, as you do now. "I am content where I
am,--a printing office has some advantages over all other places for
me." Neither
were there any libraries then, as we have before said. "What do you want of such a book as that?" inquired John Collins, when
he saw it in the printing office. "I expect that some knowledge of it will not come amiss," said John. "You mean to make the most of these things you can." "Well, I can't get time to learn every thing. You seem to learn 'most
all there is to learn, with very little time. I wish I could, but I
can't, and so I won't try." FRANKLIN." And it requires method. XIV. Whatever it was, it has not been
preserved. He often tried
his hand at poetry, if it was only a couplet at a time. he said. catching a glimpse of it. "Seeing what I can do," Benjamin replied. "So much the more reason that I should read what you have written,"
added James. "Well, read it, I do not care." "That is good, Ben. Indeed, I did not know that you could write poetry at
all. "No need of that. Then his enthusiasm broke out. I have no
doubt that it will sell well." "I will see what I can do," Benjamin replied, very much elated over
his success. "I hardly think my poetry will read well in print,
though. I have not been writing for the press." "I will go right about it, and I will not be long in getting up
something, good, bad, or indifferent." "These are really better than what I read the other day," he remarked,
when he had examined them all he desired. "Now, you may put them into
type, and sell them about the town, if you are willing. "Just as soon as you can. "Why so, father? You are not a poet, and can
write nothing of that sort worth printing." "Perhaps I may improve by practice," suggested Benjamin, whose
estimation of his literary venture was modified considerably by this
time. "Perhaps I may yet write something worthy of being read. "No; nor to end with," retorted his father. "That is news to me," responded Benjamin. "What has happened now, Ben?" inquired James, observing that his
brother looked despondent and anxious. "No. He do not see any merit in them at all. He read them over in his
way, and counted faults enough to show that there is precious little
poetry in me. "He ought to remember that you are not as old as you will be, if you
live; and you will make improvement from year to year. You ought to have heard him; and he did not spare you
for suggesting the printing and sale of the pieces on the street." "All is, he and I do not agree. That is all there is
to it." My brother, supposing it might turn to account, encouraged me,
and induced me to compose two occasional ballads. I bought it, read it over and over, and
was much delighted with it. Then I compared my Spectator with the
original, discovered some of my faults, and corrected them. Therefore, I took some
of the tales in the 'Spectator,' and turned them into verse; and,
after a time, when I had pretty well forgotten the prose, turned them
back again. Rev. XV. THE "COURANT" IN TROUBLE. "The day is coming when they will be," responded James. "That is sound doctrine," replied the customer. "I endorse it, but
government officials do not. They feel very sore, and will make
trouble for you if they can." "And that is all the trouble," said Benjamin. "True, very true," rejoined the customer. He was confined in a cell, and was very
uncomfortable. James found it so, and he soon was ready to do
almost any thing for freedom of the yard. "That is so," remarked another; "and more are coming over to our side
every day. "You may be sure that such persecution will not be
sustained by a great majority of New England people. We are living in
_New_ England, and not in _Old_ England, and the people know it." "But such things do not fit our country," answered James. I came across it in this book, a few days ago. It is
horrible." This was all his offense; but it was
construed as a justification of the execution of Charles I, as well as
a threat against Charles II, then king of England. "We are right, and
Americans will support us. Week after week it denounced the method, and warned
the people. i, p. 88. XVI. THE BOY EDITOR. "Nor I," added one of the club. "Nor I," another. "Nor I," another still. "That can not be done, because he is only an apprentice," suggested a
former speaker. "Well, I can meet that difficulty without any trouble," said James,
who was intent upon evading the order of the Court. "Pray, tell us how? "Not by any means. "How, then, can you meet the difficulty?" "Well, I can return his indenture, with his discharge upon the back of
it, and he can show it in case of necessity. "But it is as true here as
it is in other things, 'Old men for counsel, young men for war.' We
are at war now, and we do not want an editor who will cry peace, when
there is no peace." The honors came upon
him suddenly, in a way he never dreamed of. "But are there such men as these in thee, O New England? Heaven forbid
there should be any; but, alas, it is to be feared the number is not
small. There are some severe and humorous criticisms on the poets of the day,
which may be classed with the best specimens of this kind of
composition in the modern reviews. Square men should be put into square holes,
and round men into round holes. He was not there by his own election; he was there by the
lead of Providence, and he cheerfully acquiesced. In the second chapter we spoke of Boston, in the infancy of Benjamin,
as a place where bears were plenty, and other wild animals roamed. [2] Vol. i, p. 78. XVII. THE YOUNG SKEPTIC. "What book have you there, Ben?" inquired John Collins, some time
before the newspaper enterprise was started. "I think it is rather difficult to tell how I shall come out, John;
but I do not propose to believe any thing in religion, science, or any
thing else, just because my father does," responded Benjamin. "No, I am free to say that I do not. There is neither reason nor
wisdom in portions of the creed of the Church." "Why, Ben, you surprise me. "One thing is sure," continued Benjamin. I shall do that no more, that is all I meant." "Well, I can not say that you are wrong, Ben. "I expect so, too; and there is much of all three existing to-day,"
Benjamin answered. "A bigot may be a well-meaning man, but so much the
worse for him. "You are drifting to my side as fast as is necessary," remarked
Benjamin, laughing. I am sure
you will, if you read Shaftesbury." "Well, I must drift home in a hurry," responded John. You are now in too deep water
for me. John left, and Benjamin went on thinking, as he was wont. At this time he was quite a doubter,--really a young skeptic. He was a kind of speculator from childhood. He loved to argue. "By the way, John, I should like to read to you what your namesake
says on the subject. "Go ahead, and I will give you respectful attention. There is nothing very wonderful to me about that. True
enough, I guess, but nothing remarkable. "Read Shaftesbury, and judge for yourself," added Benjamin. "You will
fall in love with him, as I have. "Perhaps I will read him sometime," replied John. See Matt. xx. "B. FRANKLIN." "P.S. To this people I owe all that I am. Here my children were born,
and here one of them lies buried. HOW HE QUIT BOSTON. I shall leave him." "I should think you had helped him out of trouble enough to stir up
his gratitude a little, even if he had no pride in possessing so
bright a brother." "He ought to know, for I have told him that I should leave him if he
continued to treat me as he has done. inquired John. "He undertook to flog me, the other day. "That is no worse than other things he does. But for some reason, since the last trouble he has
upheld James. "What do you propose to do if you leave your brother?" continued John. "Go to New York. I can find work there. I do not
want you should quit Boston until I do." "Better make a record here,--the best chance in the world. Here people
know who you are, or they ought to know by this time. "You know that I never gave up the indenture because I relinquished
the bargain we had made. "I
have borne your abuse long enough, and I will bear it no longer." Father will have a word to say about it, you
will find. You are not of age yet." James spoke with remarkable
coolness for him, in the circumstances. "I told them nothing but the truth," replied James. "You know as well
as I do, that you believe Shaftesbury instead of the Bible." "Well, no matter what I believe. James was
paid in his own coin. There is no doubt that Benjamin erred in the matter. "I am going to New York as soon as I can get away," he said. I am not going to be banged about any more." "I could, but I won't. "I expect that he and father together will prevent my leaving, if
possible." "No, I have not; nor do I intend to. He sides with James now, and that
is enough for me. "Perhaps he thinks you will leave Boston if you leave James,"
suggested John. "He may think that you will clear out and go to sea. I have a trade that
I like, and I shall stick to it until I am forced out of it." "Yes, a plan is all that I have got. "I am at your service now, Ben, as ever before; only I would like to
understand just what I can do." "I can manage that," said John. "Yes, but he will want large pay for it. "You can sell some of your books," suggested John. "Well, then, I will commit myself to your care. "I will go to see the captain at once, Ben; and I will be back with my
report in two hours. You always have succeeded, and I think you
will succeed now." "Be off, then, in a jiffy, and I will run out to see where I can
dispose of my books. I will be back in two hours, and meet you here." he asked. "He is neither one nor the other. There are more printers in Boston
than there are in New York." "That may be; but he prefers to work in New York. I want to accommodate,
but I don't want to get anybody into trouble, nor get there myself." So I came
to do the business for him." "He is in a fix, sure," answered the captain; "if there is any man in
the world I would help, it is the man who is trying to escape from the
girl he don't want to marry. He is not a pauper,
though he has not much of a money surplus. He will satisfy you as to
that." "No trouble, of course; I did not mean to have any, if lying would
prevent it." How
was that, John?" "Well, you see, he questioned me pretty closely, and seemed to be
suspicious that you might be a pauper or criminal. "You are more original than I thought you were, John. "That is left for you and him to adjust," replied John. "I will be on hand to go to the sloop with you," said John, as they
parted, each with a clear understanding as to the future. "Tell no tales out of school," remarked Benjamin. "Perhaps I shall be the most
astonished person in Boston over your sudden departure; there's no
telling. "You will
find him good company; he is no fool or knave." "However, we'll soon be off." "Good-bye." inquired one of the crew. "They are in their native element now; let them
stay there, and you keep in yours. "I should think you had," responded one of the sailors, laughing; "no
one else would ever think of such a thing." Yet he became an author of much
celebrity, and a most exemplary and influential man. XIX. he inquired. "My business is light, and will continue to be so for the
present, I think. "Yes, sir. "In Boston." "You ought to understand it well by this time. Very dull times,
indeed, my son. "About a hundred miles." "It is only one-third as far as you have already traveled for work. "You can take a boat to Amboy, and there you will find another boat to
Philadelphia. A pleasant trip, on the whole." "There, you fool," exclaimed Benjamin. "He may thank you for saving his life," remarked one of the boatmen. "He is too drunk for that," replied Benjamin. asked the captain in reply. "There, are you
all right now?" shouted the captain. inquired Benjamin, when he saw the men on shore turning
their steps homeward. "A pretty dark night before us." "When we find ourselves in such a predicament, there is only
one thing to be done." asked Benjamin, who was quite nervous and anxious. He is not in
condition to appreciate it as I am." So all crowded into the hatches, including Benjamin. "If you can," added the boatman in a suggestive way. "If _you_ can, I
oughter. Good-bye, sir." "From Boston, sir." "No work in Boston, I s'pose, hey? "About a week. "No work in New York, hey? "I am a printer by trade, and I hope to get into a printing office in
Philadelphia." "Wall, you are a pretty young one to take such a trip; I should hardly
be willing my son should go so far from home, printer or no printer." "Yes, sir." he inquired of Benjamin. "I am going to Philadelphia." "Boston." "I should like to see as much of the
world as you have." "He enjoys this country more than he
did his own." He was sorry
to leave him on the next day. "I hope we shall. Good-bye." So back he went. she said, as he entered her shop. "No. "Lor', me!" "Lor', no; and all ye has to du is to make the best on 't." That is just what I want to know. she replied, instead of answering
his question. "I am going after work. "A printer, lor'! "I would
as lief work here as in Philadelphia, if the way was open." "Lor', then, I'll lodge ye till Tuesday for ----," naming the sum. "I will stay with you, then, and make the best of it," he replied. "To Philadelphia." I was too late for the boat to-day." "Just as well as not," and the boat was turned at once to receive the
additional passenger. The boat moved on. "That is impossible," answered one of the men; "we must have seen it
if we had passed it." "Then, let us put for the shore," said a third, "and find out where we
are, if possible." "Not a cent, my good fellow! You worked your passage, and did it well,
too. Put your money back in
your pocket." Bidding them good morning, he walked up Market Street. XX. THE WALKING COMEDY. "Over there, at the bake-shop," the boy replied, pointing to it. "Thank you," and Benjamin hurried on. "Give me a three-penny loaf, then." he said, scarcely knowing what he did say. It was so
in this case. His best suit was in
his chest, and that was sent from New York by water. He was a walking comedy. No doubt, many of them wondered where he came from and
where he was going. He was seedy enough, but no one saw the seed of a
philosopher or statesman about him. he said to the little one, who looked wistfully at
the bread. "We are both very hungry," replied the mother quickly for herself and
child. His generosity was equal to his wisdom. "I am going to live here if I can find work, as I expect to, and
become a citizen of this town." "Wall, you'll make a good one, I know. Goodbye." "Hulloo, stranger! "I was very tired," responded Benjamin, trying to get his eyes open. "I am a printer by trade, and hope to find work in a printing office." "And I hope you will. Sorry to disturb your nap, but I have to lock up
the house." "I wish thee success," added the Quaker. "But here we are close by the
'Three Mariners'; but it is not exactly a reputable house, and thee
wants a better one." "Well, if thee will follow me, I will show thee a better one; it is
not far away." "Thank you, sir, for your kindness," said Benjamin; "I shall not
forget you. But he went in, and engaged lodging and board until
Monday. asked the landlord, scanning him from head to
foot. "I am from Boston." "Boston, hey? "Two weeks." "Yes, sir." "Not exactly bad luck, for I considered myself quite lucky to get here
at all; but a slow, tedious trip, with delays and storms and
disappointments most of the time," was Benjamin's answer, and he
entered somewhat into details. "Well, you are here, and I am glad to meet you; and, now, you want
work." asked the senior
Bradford. "Yes, Keimer; it is possible he may want a man. "I will go with you to see Mr. Keimer," said the senior Bradford,
after breakfast. "Perhaps I may be of service to you." "We can fix that, I think," said young Bradford. You can lodge at my house." "Thanks," replied Benjamin. "I appreciate your kindness, and hope to
be able to make some return for it in the future. "Very well done, indeed. I think you told the truth; you must have had
considerable experience. At present, I have nothing for you to do." I am expecting other
work soon, also." He expects
to have business." "What do you think of my prospects here, sir?" Keimer answered the last inquiry by disclosing his plans, as Bradford
artfully drew him out on every point, until he learned how he was
calculating to command all the business, and run his son out of it. "You did not know that man, did you?" inquired Benjamin, after
Bradford left. That
was the father of Andrew Bradford, your neighbor, the printer. He
carries on printing in New York." "Yes, it is even so. "Well, all that is natural enough, but it is pretty hard on me,"
answered Keimer. "You opened it pretty wide to him, and he took advantage of it, as
most men will do. He did a large business." "Yes, our paper here gave some account of it. But not so with Benjamin. Doctor Johnson said, "What is worth doing at all, is worth
doing well." Training them to do their best did it. When I make a thing, I make it as well as
I can, no matter whom it is for." XXI. GETTING ON. "That is so; it can be improved very much with little expense,"
replied Benjamin. "Old Bradford will be on the lookout for capital,
no doubt. inquired the senior
Bradford of him. inquired the junior
Bradford. I am not used to
much style and luxury." "You appear to be fond of books," said Mr. Read to him. "Boston. "Yes, both of them, as good people as there are in Boston." "Plenty of them. I was a printer's
apprentice at twelve years of age." Your story is a very interesting one, and I want to know more about
it." There is no
need of a man being ignorant, so long as he can command fragments of
time to read and study. His daughter, too, was as favorably impressed by
acquaintance with him. inquired Captain Homes, startled by the
revelation. "For Mr. Keimer, our new printer." "He is. He is not set up at all, but appears to be modest and unassuming. He
is very much liked by all." "Yours affectionately,
"ROBERT HOMES." To leave was impossible, unless I left
clandestinely. But I am not. I mean to make the most of myself
possible. "Yours affectionately,
"BENJAMIN." "The author of it is my wife's youngest brother, only a boy now." inquired the governor. "Indeed, he must be a remarkable boy." "He is. "I see now," responded the governor. "He is. Let me tell you more about
him." "Remarkable, for one so young!" "So I think," responded the captain. I believe that he
will make his mark, live where he may." "His success is certain,
only give him a chance. "I am going to Philadelphia with the governor," interjected Colonel
French, "and I will accompany him to see the young man." First, he must have been very
observing. They are
inquisitive, and wish to know the philosophy of things. In the second place, Benjamin was not proud. He had
a destiny to work out, and in working that he must do as he could, and
not as he would. XXII. GOING UP HIGHER. "I see," replied Benjamin. "I should think they were coming here." He supposed, of course, that
they were coming to see him. "This is the young man you wanted to see," said Keimer, introducing
him. "I am at your service," Benjamin replied, collecting his scattered and
wondering thoughts. "Mr. Keimer can spare me, no doubt." "True, very true; but I think we can arrange that. continued the governor. "Yes, I can do that," said Benjamin. "Keep that a secret. "He told my brother-in-law that he should call, and my brother-in-law
urged him to do so. "Not at present. If I go, I must go by sea, and not by land. "Perhaps I shall ask him when I become more familiar with him,"
Benjamin replied, with a twinkle in his eye. At any rate,
he was an enigma to his employer, who was becoming more and more
interested in him. It
may be three or four months before one sails, but look for me on
board. My brother-in-law, Capt. Until then, good-bye. "Your old friend,
"B. FRANKLIN." "It did, and he plied me with questions in order to find out for some
time. He is quite an intelligent
man, without any surplus of honesty." "So I understand. "Not exactly. He
always spoke of it regretfully. "She sails in
about a week." Keimer
asked jocosely. As the
weeks rolled on, his employee grew to be more and more an object of
curiosity. "No; nor any body else," answered Benjamin. If I am any judge of weather, a
terrible storm is brewing, and it will be on us in a hurry." If I had been allowed my own way, I should
have been serving before the mast now." I would not command a vessel another day, if there was any thing
else I could do; but this is all I know." "The vessel is leaking badly," cried out one of the crew. "Man the pumps," replied the captain. "Enough for all hands to do
now." "Including me," responded Benjamin. "I can do as much as any of you at
the pump," and he went to work with the crew. THE SURPRISE, AND ITS RESULTS. and he grasped
one of his hands in both of his. "O, Benjamin!" "Can it be you, my son? "Where have you been?" "In Philadelphia. "Not a word from him about it." If you had staid at
home and died, my sorrow could not have been so great." I must go to
see him." But soon he rose above the
situation, and seemed to say, by actions, "I can stand it if you can." "Where have you been, Ben?" "In Philadelphia." "Yes; very soon, too. "Yes, better pay than in Boston." "It looks as if you had struck a silver mine, Ben," remarked one. "Some lucky hit, Ben," said another. "No other did. I was a printer when I left, and I am now, and I expect
to be in the future. And, what is more, I have no desire for another
business." "You sport a watch, I see," said one of the number. "Yes, such as it is; a good companion, though." "Let us see it," one suggested. "You can." "I should not know how to get along without a watch now." "Well, Ben, you can afford to have a watch," added one; "for you can
live on bread and water, and never want a day of pleasure, and never
drink liquors." "That is so, Ben; but now just treat us with something stronger than
water, for old acquaintance' sake." "No, James," replied his mother; "Benjamin meant no such thing. "Well, you are brothers," interrupted his father, "and you should act
as brothers toward each other. You will never prosper, James, so
long as you treat your brother so; and you never ought to prosper." "My advice to you, James, is to let the dead past bury the dead. John inquired. I ought not to stay
but a week." "I think it will do well if you stick closely to business. "I can do that. Work never hurt me, or any thing else." "Nor I," answered John, who was blind to his own danger, as all
intemperate men are. "You may be right, Ben; you are, generally. John was trying to find
an excuse for himself. "What do you think of my going
to Philadelphia with you?" said
John, with a degree of warmth. "Not if you continue to drink as you do now. You
are fast becoming a wreck." "I will tell you what it is, Ben," continued John. I want to go back with you badly; and I
will think it over." "That is it, John. Think it over, and I will see you again." "He ought to be. "Nor I. "That may be so. "I think it can be expected, and should be expected, if these
qualities are as fully developed at eighteen as they are in other
young men at twenty-two." He was
delighted to meet Captain Homes, and this gentleman was delighted to
meet him. "From a citizen of that town, of whom I was inquiring about the
business of the place. He even knew your
name." "But it is all for the best, I think. When Benjamin arose to go, the doctor said:
"Come this way, and I will show you a nearer way out," pointing to a
narrow passage with a beam crossing it overhead. shouted the doctor. "I have decided to go with you," he said to Benjamin, the next time
they met. "You shall have it. I have given up my position in the post-office,
and am packing up now. I want to carry my books with the rest of my
traps." Give it a wide berth, and the way is open before you
to success." "I see it, and mean to act accordingly." "I think it will," responded Benjamin. "My wants are few, and so my
expenses are small. You will, no
doubt, be writing for the public press, as you did here. "Possibly," rejoined his father; "but I think there is a wiser course. "I met him more than half way," replied Benjamin, "and he seemed to
stand aloof all the more. XXIV. HIS RETURN, AND WHAT CAME OF IT. Their meeting was as glad to him as it was
unexpected. "Very well; I will hold it subject to your direction." "Yes, I suppose that is the business way." His stay in Newport was very brief. "How so?" inquired Benjamin, considerably surprised. "They are bad girls, and thee is not much acquainted with the ways of
the world." "And I hope they won't," added the good lady. The good lady kept her eye on Benjamin, and so did the girls. When Benjamin arrived in New York, John Collins was waiting there for
him, but it was John Collins drunk. "Don't see how I can 'scuse you, Ben. It is too late now." He's a goner, if I am any judge." His self-respect was gone, and he appeared to glory
in his shame. "I will go," replied Benjamin; "and I must go at once if I go at all." "Been to see the governor, hey?" he said. "Good on you, Ben; you'll be governor yourself yet." "_You_ will not, John, unless you change your course. This was a revelation to John. There is no record preserved of his experience on the sloop between
New York and Philadelphia, except a paragraph in a letter written by
Doctor Franklin to Doctor Priestley, in 1780, when the former was
seventy-four years of age. It
troubled him exceedingly. "Yes; he says so in this letter. "No; not by any means," replied the governor, earnestly. "As soon as you can make it out. "Possibly, unless he should send for me to call on him. "Well, the governor of New York was, and I went to see him." "I will be rowed home," he said in anger. "Then we will stay here all night on the water," snapped out John. "He'll drown," shouted one. shouted another. "No, you ----," he shouted back, with an oath. "We'll take you in when you will promise to row," said Benjamin. Then Benjamin
would cry out:
"Will you row now, John?" The cost will be about one
hundred pounds sterling, I judge." "I should defer to your
judgment in that as in other things." You can continue to work for Keimer, still keeping
the secret, but completing your plans." XXV. WORKING, READING, AND COURTING. asked Benjamin. His last remark
hit, and Keimer knew where. "Not much danger of it, I think," retorted Benjamin. Of the two, Benjamin's skepticism was the
less dangerous. But I am really in
earnest about a new sect, Ben; and I am only waiting to win you over." "Perhaps I will try it, if you will; and also, if you will adopt my
creed, and go for a new sect." He consented to try the practice, if I
would keep him company. I did so, and we held it for three months. So the scheme was
dropped. Such was the case with Benjamin. Their names were Charles Osborne, Joseph Matson,
and James Ralph. "Poets are born, not made;
and I hardly think you was born one." "Much obliged for your compliment," replied Ralph, not at all
disconcerted by Osborne's rather personal remark; "but I may become
poet enough for my own use. It is practice that makes perfect, you know." It is good rhyme, but it lacks the real
spirit of poesy." There is no money in poetry in our
day, and there never was." At any rate, I am determined to try it,
in spite of your decidedly poor opinion of my abilities." "I should like that," responded Ralph; "it is a capital proposition. "We will do that, of course," said Benjamin. "What do you say to
taking that, Ralph?" "I think it is an excellent subject, and I am in favor of adopting
it." "Suppose we try a little game," continued Ralph. He is not so jealous of you as he is of me. "A very ingenious test, Ralph," exclaimed Benjamin. The
appointed time came. Ralph
noticed two or three blemishes, but pointed out many beauties in it. "Well, Ben, we must have yours, then. You will not disappoint us." "No, Ben, no excuse for you," said Osborne. "You are prepared, and, of course, we shall not excuse you." Come, read it
again." "Nor I," added Matson. "What do you say, Ralph?" inquired Osborne. "Well done, Ralph!" They had fallen in love with each other,
but were not engaged. So he
ventured. "Both of you are too young," replied Deborah's mother. Sometimes parties are engaged for years before they are
married." "How so?" inquired Benjamin with some anxiety. I think you had better
leave the matter as it is until you return from England, and see how
you are prospered." Leave that until you
return." And the bird promised to stay there, and sing for him on his
return. XXVI. A BOGUS SCHEME. "You don't mean it." "I do mean it. I think you can
establish a good business with your tact and experience. Ralph was careful not to divulge the real reason of his
going, lest Benjamin should disapprove. And now, Benjamin was
full of business. "The letters will be indispensable; and the instructions I shall most
surely need to relieve my lack of experience," Benjamin replied. "Very well, I will call," replied Benjamin, without the least
suspicion that any trouble was brewing for him. "Convey mine, also, to him," Benjamin replied, as he turned away to go
to the vessel. "Pray, tell me who Governor Keith may be." "The letter will inform you, no doubt," replied Benjamin, giving him
the letter. Now
let them reflect." Why, Ralph, I am almost as much deceived in you as I have
been in Governor Keith. You must be
crazy, Ralph. I am shocked." This was a shrewd way of putting it. There are no letters for me among the dispatches he sent on
board at Newcastle. "He always did that," Mr. Denham replied. Keep the letter and give it to him." "But what can I do, Mr. asked Benjamin. "I am here a stranger
in a strange city, with very little money. "I thought of that; but it occurred to me that an American printer
would be at a discount here, where the printing business is so much
better understood," suggested Benjamin. So you may get some good out of your
trials, after all. "It looks so, certainly," Benjamin answered. inquired the overseer. "You ought to understand it, then. "You can try me, and I shall be very thankful for the chance,"
Benjamin answered. You can come at once, and I will give you a
position." Therefore, he
was not only desirous of aiding him in his embarrassing situation, but
he was glad to employ a young man of so much promise. Ralph was not so successful. Here and there he applied for work, but
no one appeared to want him. As Ralph had no money or work, Benjamin was obliged to support him. I have stood it
as long as I can. "Not a bad idea, in the circumstances," replied Benjamin. "I should much prefer to remain in this city and find a more congenial
situation; but beggars can't be choosers, and so I have concluded to
make the best of it. "That is philosophical, sure," added Benjamin. But it was of no use, the
poem continued to come by instalments. I am not in circumstances to do much
for you, but I will cheerfully do what I can." My wants are
few, and I can make a little assistance go a good way." He could see no way
out of his trouble. "Very well," replied Benjamin, "I will so understand it." "I wish I
had. There are so many valuable books here, and they are so cheap,
that I wish I was able to make many of them my own." "Well, you are at liberty to spend all the time you can reading them
here," answered Wilcox, who had already formed a high opinion of his
abilities. "A new idea has struck me, Mr. Wilcox. I mean, pay you a given amount on each book I read." We will
have no difficulty about the price," answered Wilcox. he said to Mr. Watts; "very fallacious and
superficial, too." Rather a popular work,
that of Wollaston's." "Popular enough it may be, but error is often popular. "That may be; but I am going to review it for my own satisfaction and
benefit," answered Benjamin. "How so?" There is ingenuity in it,
I grant; but it is false." "From your standpoint, you mean, Mr. "Yes, if you please; but my standpoint is the Bible. "Well, you are getting rather personal," Benjamin answered, roguishly. "Much obliged for your opinion, so frankly expressed," added Benjamin,
as Mr. Watts turned to answer a call. he inquired of Mr. Watts. "There is." "Yes, I will call him." "I am, sir." That was why Benjamin's pamphlet pleased Lyons so much--the religion
in it was not too much for a "pale-ale house." "I should feel myself highly honored," answered Benjamin. "I am at your service." "I am." "A few only--very few," replied Benjamin. "Yes, sir, I have." "I should be delighted to have you call upon me in Bloomsbury Square,
and bring the purse; and I will show you _my_ great collection of
curiosities. I think you can spend a pleasant and profitable evening
in that way." And he did. He drank
water only; all other employees, about fifty of them, drank strong
beer. He was really a curiosity to them. I drink it for
strength." "So much the worse for you; beer strength is the worst sort of
weakness," continued Benjamin. Why, I could not hold half as
much as that; I should run over." Therefore, Watts
(the name of the workman) knew that every thing Benjamin claimed about
strength was true. inquired the workman. Therefore, if you eat the bread and drink the water, you get more
strength." "Here, Jake, where are you?" said Mr. Watts, who heard much of the
conversation. "Yes, we _will_ see," chimed in a resolute voice. I forbid his doing it." After all he did not carry his point. AT HOME AGAIN. "I should like to know how, but I never tried to learn." "And that is a good reason for not knowing how to swim. "Yes, a dozen, so far as that goes; the more the merrier." "Just when you please. You and Hall fix the time, and I will be on
hand." "You could live in
the water about as well as on the land." "That is not strange," responded Hall; "he believes in water, inside
and outside; he only practises what he preaches, and that is what he
ought to do." He was fond of
reading, too, and loved to discuss important questions. "I will go if you go. Sometimes he was under the
water, and sometimes on it; it did not seem to make much difference to
him which. "Nor in all England and Wales." "You could make a fortune, if you chose to exhibit your skill." "None at all," answered Benjamin. "I should not want to part with my skill for any
consideration whatever." "Sorry for that, very sorry indeed. "I should like nothing better than to travel all over Europe,"
answered Benjamin. "Well, what do you think of the plan?" "I should say that it is practicable, although the suggestion is
entirely new to me. "I should take it for granted that we could, too," said Benjamin;
"still I shall want to consider it; it is quite an enterprise to
undertake." "That is so, and I think favorably of it. I will consult my good
friend, Denham, about it. "It does not strike me favorably," said Mr. Denham. What might do for Wygate, whose home is here, might
not do for you, whose home is in America." "That may be." "I should recommend decidedly that you abandon the project entirely,
and think no more about it. "It is a bargain, then." he said to Benjamin. "I should like nothing better, if the way was open for me to go." "I will open a way for you if you will go." "I am going myself. "I should like to go; but that will be a new business for me; perhaps
I shall not succeed in it." I think you will succeed; at any rate, I am
prepared to take the risk." If
ever I can do you a favor, let me know, and I will only be too glad to
do it." I regret to leave
you, and my companions with whom I have spent so many hours. At any rate, I hope
you will." Nor was it light work. A few months before, he made the acquaintance of Peter
Collinson, a young man of noble English birth, whose talents gave him
nearly as much standing as his ancestry. XXIX. UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE. "Why, Ben! I
did not return as soon as I expected." I am a little curious to see how he will act,
and hear what he will say, when I meet him." "He will look more so, I imagine, when he meets me. "That can do no good. Plenty of work here, and you are just the man to do
it." "No; I am a printer no longer," answered Benjamin. Two printing houses
there, with more than fifty hands in each." asked Keimer, who
was really anxious for Benjamin's services. "Not exactly so. Denham." "Mrs. Read lives where she did, and continues to take a few boarders. That was unfortunate for her," Benjamin answered. Of
course her marriage was not legal, and she left him at once." "I should have said," Keimer added, "that Deborah has not changed her
name. "Very wise for her, I think," responded Benjamin. "Can it be you?" "If I know myself, this
is Benjamin Franklin." Now, her love
for Benjamin was as fresh and strong as ever; and so was his love for
her. Mr. Denham thought so, and so did Deborah Read. It was a tidal wave of good
fortune now. "I can do that, or any thing else you desire; am not at all
particular. If they
care more for a noise in the street than they do for their work, it is
high time they left." "That, indeed!" replied Keimer, derisively. And, as he spoke these last cutting words, he took his hat and left. "Not a man in his establishment, who does not
condemn his course." "Just what I expected. "I
am about as rich as you are." I have told him all about
you, and he will think it is a good opportunity for me." XXX. I am apt to think it is the same as to life. "2. "3. "4. "2. "3. "4. "5. "6. "7. "8. "9. "10. "I should pronounce that an ingenious society for doing good and
getting good," said Coleman, after the questions were read. "It was so, and Cotton Mather himself was a member of twenty of these
societies," said Benjamin. I often
accompanied him, and, young as I was, they were very interesting to
me. "_Answer_. I have not. "2. "_Answer_. I do. "3. "_Answer_. No. "4. "_Answer_. Yes." inquired
Maugridge. "And you are the one to solicit subscriptions, Ben," remarked Godfrey. "If anybody can succeed, you can. This was unexpected success, and the members
of the Junto were highly elated. "The books we read have words and phrases in other languages, and I do
not know their meaning. "You can study it if you want to," replied Scull, "but I have not the
time for another study." "That last suggestion is best of all," remarked Parsons. XXXI. I was very hasty, and
am sorry for it. "Yours truly,
"SAMUEL KEIMER." Benjamin
said. "Most certainly I can. "But here is the point," continued Meredith. "I am poorly equipped to
set up business for myself, and you can teach me. "For my sake, I want you should decide to accept the proposition. "Thank you for the advertisement, George. Yes, sir, we can serve you
here at short notice. he said to himself. He stopped and mused a few
moments, and then entered. he
inquired of Benjamin. "I am, sir." You will fail." This does not look like going backward, it seems
to me." "These are the very things that will ruin us," responded Nickle. "That sort of disaster is what we want," suggested Benjamin; "the more
of it the better. "Not with the present population," was the view of one member. he asked. "I thought your
time was Keimer's for four years." "It was; but it is not now; I have bought it back." "If you can keep a secret, Webb, I will let you into it," continued
Benjamin. "I expect to start a weekly paper before many weeks have
passed; and then I shall have plenty of work." "I will not divulge your secret," was Webb's ready promise. "See if
I don't." "I will see him at once." "Just the thing I want," responded Bradford. "No, not as I want to. "Ninety." Keimer answered, following. Both laughed, and Keimer departed. His
father, too, did not find relief from pecuniary embarrassment as he
expected. But the other half was not paid
when due, for which all three were sued. He is really embarrassed." "No, indeed; that would be quite impossible. Besides, I do not want it
on my hands." inquired Benjamin. That was what Benjamin wanted. A few months more elapsed, when he concluded to accept the offer of
the gentleman, spoken of on a previous page, to provide a stock of
stationery, and opened a stationer's shop in his building. He stood at the
head. NO LONGER A SKEPTIC. "Time is money," Doctor Franklin wrote in age. "One dollar," answered the apprentice in attendance. "One dollar," repeated the lounger; "can't you take less than that?" "No less; one dollar is the price." "He is in the printing office." at the same time holding up the book. "One dollar and a quarter," answered Franklin, who had heard the
lounger's parleying with his apprentice. "One dollar and a quarter! Your young man asked but a dollar." "Come, now, tell me just the lowest you will take for it," he said. "One dollar and a half." "It is as truly folly for the poor to ape the rich, as for the frog to
swell in order to equal the ox." His integrity was no less marked. "That I will do, and call again to-morrow." he asked. "Why, sir, I am sorry to say that I can not publish it." This was his ritual, beginning and closing with
an humble prayer. "2. "3. "4. "5. "6. "7. "8. "9. "10. "11. "12. "And that God will certainly reward virtue and punish vice, either
here or hereafter." "Every printer in this country
issues one, so far as I know." "A good theme to discuss in the Junto," replied Coleman. "Much obliged," answered Franklin. Printed and sold by B. "Drive thy business, let not that drive thee." "Industry need not hope, and he that lives upon hope will die
fasting." "If you would have your business done, go--if not, send." Every body who saw it, admired and bought it. Every body
will want to join now, to meet him here." "In Boston I made a mistake," he said. Here is a case. "'I can not publish that,' I said to him. he asked. "'I will pay for its insertion,' he said. "'But we have a free press in this country,' he insisted. "As soon as possible. This was his brother James,
the printer to whom he was apprenticed in Boston. "It is only a question of time; and short time, too. My disease is
incurable, and I am waiting for the end. I am truly sorry for any
wrong I did you in Boston." "He shall
be one of my family, and I will be to him as a father, and he shall be
to me as a son." answered one of the number, "and you are the
man to carry the measure into effect." "Let it be done in a hurry, too," said Coleman. MORE HONORS AND MORE WORK. "I thought it would," continued Spotswood. "We
see him in this role, in the Junto, as men outside do not. "That is not all, nor the worst," remarked Breintnal. It is very unjust." inquired Scull. "That is immaterial," replied Coleman; "a large or small number can be
used to advantage, I should say." remarked
Coleman. "That is practical," exclaimed Coleman. "I expect to succeed. A fruitful theme, though I never expected we should
discuss it here." "That is it exactly. But let us have your paper,
and then we will discuss it." It was regarded as a very useful invention, and,
for many years, was in general use. "Not I," responded Franklin. If the
invention is a real public benefit, the people should have the
advantage of it." "Nonsense," retorted Coleman; "no one but you harbors such an idea. "I should not want to be the one to raise it." "I should, if I could," retorted Franklin. inquired Coleman. "Chiefly. With some alterations,
it was just the building necessary to meet the wants of the popular
institution. "And that is the trouble," retorted Franklin. inquired Maugridge. inquired
Grace. When the public meeting was called, there was a general
rush to it. XXXV. PHILOSOPHER AND STATESMAN. "Come into
the office, and I will tell you what it is." "And you need none," interrupted Franklin. You ought to have less care." But from the time he was released
from the care of the printing office, his advancement in science was
rapid. It came
into general use, not only in our country, but also in Europe. COLONEL OF MILITIA, WHICH HE ORIGINATED. It
was struck out. He struck
it out. says his next friend; 'why, nobody will expect you to give them away. What, then, is the use of that word?' Some are able in one view, some in another, he in all." he was asked. "No, never; unless compelled by force of arms," he answered. "_Yes. "They are farmers, husbandmen, or planters." A few months before he left England for America, his wife died. He was one of the originators of the
Continental Congress, and was the author of the plan for a Union of
the States. FRANKLIN." Should this be the
commencement of parochial libraries in the States, it will do great
good." The Rev. "I hope not," was his answer. In a codicil to his will was this bequest. If it were a sceptre, he has merited
it, and would become it."