mind the philosophic Watt, nor rejoice in the safety of the poor miner without blessing the memory of the illustrious Davy. Varied as were the circumstances and occupations of the men whose lives are here recorded, they possess in common one characteristic, without which it is certain they could not have distinguished themselves. They were all "diligent in business," and worked with persevering and determined purpose; and hence their ultimate success. It is indeed true that many, like them, have toiled and striven, who failed to reach the object of their ambition; but these men have not the less truly contributed to the general good, and without their labours the fortunate few who have attained to renown would have been destitute of the means which their skill and diligence have turned to such good account. It is by a series of minute advances—by a constant addition to the stores of experience and invention that such great results have been ultimately achieved. There is a saying uttered by the Great Teacher of men, which is applicable here :-"Other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours." It is a very instructive fact that, during the time of the great religious struggle in France, the working classes took a prominent part as advocates of the Protestant cause; insomuch that a Catholic historian of the day remarks that "the painters, clockmakers, modellers, jewellers, booksellers, printers, and others, who, although in humble trades, have still some exercise for thought, were the first to adopt these new ideas." What a striking testimony to the fact that diligent occupation in the pursuits of business and of trade is no obstruction, but rather a help, to intellectual and spiritual life! One of the most illustrious of these adherents of religious truth and liberty was Bernard Palissy, a name that deserves to be held dear by working-men in all times. In him we have an illustrious proof that greatness does not depend upon the occupation, but upon the mind. Among the men who have risen from obscurity there is none more admirable and noteworthy than he. As an impressive example of labour, of patience, of perseverance under difficulties, combined with true dignity, piety, and virtue, he must ever be a model to workmen of all professions. whole career was a blending of religion with the work of common life, and proves "that the man who diligently discharges the duties of the earthly, may not less sedulously-nay, at the same moment,—fulfil those of the heavenly sphere, at once 'diligent in business,' and 'fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.' His "In all labour there is profit," says the wise man. And experience has set its seal to the truth of this axiom; yet the most precious result, and highest reward of earthly toil, will not be attained unless a man has respect to the approbation of God, by whose appointment it is that secular work is not only a duty, but, in most cases, a necessity. Deeply convinced of this truth, I cannot take leave of my readers without exhorting them earnestly to bethink themselves of the Saviour's exhortation,— "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life." We know that Jesus Christ did not mean, in these words, to bid us cease from working with our hands in the daily callings of life. He has enjoined that as a necessary duty. But He meant, in the abundance of His love to our souls, to bid us so much more earnestly covet spiritual than temporal blessings, as to labour first and most diligently to obtain them. Do we ask-as they of old did-" What shall we do that we might work the works of God?" This is His answer,- "Believe on Him whom He hath sent. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on Me hath everlasting life.” NORWICH, 1859. |