PERHAPS we lingered too long over the years of Benjamin Franklin's boyhood to allow ourselves much space to dwell upon those of his manhood. They were busy, useful years, though there could hardly have been a more trying position than that in which he found himself on his arrival in London. He did not give way to despair, but began at once to look for employment, and after some delays and disappointments obtained it in the office of a large publisher's firm.
His influence over his fellow-workmen was for good. More than one, who had been in the habit of drinking more beer than was good for him, was by his influence and example persuaded to become a water drinker.
After some ups and downs the way opened for him to return to Philadelphia. Almost the first person he called upon was his old employer, Mr. Keimer, who was pleased to see him, and was again anxious to secure his services.
“What were you doing in London?" asked Mr. Keimer. "Working at my own trade," was the reply. "It did not take me long to find employment.”
“Is London a good place for printers?" "Yes, a grand place. I know two firms who employ more than fifty hands each.”
“Did you get good pay there?”
“Yes, very good.”
“Now you are again in Philadelphia, will you be my manager, and take entire charge of my printing office?" The proposal was declined, for Franklin had other plans. Shortly afterward he married, and opened a printing office on his own account. His customers were pleased at the neatness and speed with which their orders were executed, and year by year his business grew. Perhaps the death of his first-born child, a bright and lovable little boy aged four years, may have been used by God to lead him to seek "the things that are eternal," but from that time there is reason to believe that he was a sincere Christian.
When George Whitefield, who as an evangelist was so greatly used by God, visited America, a warm and lasting friendship grew up between the two men.
For very many years Benjamin had not seen or even heard of his brother James. Both were middle-aged men, when he received a message that James, who was very ill, was anxious to see him. He went at once, and found his brother in a very weak state, suffering much in body and seeming distressed in mind. He asked his brother if he could forgive him for all his unkindness to him in his boyhood, and on being assured of his forgiveness, said, "I have a favor to ask: I have a son, a bright little boy just ten years old. I am dying a poor man, and cannot provide for him; will you take him, give him an education, teach him our trade, and when he is able to earn his own living allow him to return to his mother?”
“You may trust me," replied Benjamin, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son.”
The promise was faithfully kept, and his nephew grew up a useful and prosperous man. Franklin filled a number of public offices, and when he became a member of the council, took quite an important part in the government of the then newly-formed United States of America.
He also did a good deal for the improvement of Philadelphia. Owing to his industry and enterprise, the inhabitants were persuaded to accept a plan he had drawn up for the better lighting and cleaning of the streets.
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." (Prov. 22:2929Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. (Proverbs 22:29).) In the later years of Franklin's life he was able to retire from the printing office and enjoy a well-earned leisure, but his love of work still kept him fully employed.
He was not only a printer, but an author and publisher. Under the nom de plume of "Poor Richard" he for several years prepared and published an almanac, which was circulated by thousands. He reaped large profits from its sale.
In the year 1736 he was chosen Clerk of the Council, and in the following year was appointed postmaster of Philadelphia. In a city where a great number of houses were built of wood, fires were frequent, and one of his inventions was a fire extinguisher which proved of great use.
Though honors came thick and fast upon him, it must have been a matter of no small surprise when he was chosen to represent the United States at the Court of St. James, and to attend the sittings of the House of Commons. He spent about two years in England, but they were stormy, troubled years, and during his absence from America his wife died, but it was only just before he had taken his passage to return that the news of her death reached him.
Benjamin Franklin died at a good old age on 17th April, 1790. His story from printer's boy to the Court of St. James is indeed no common one, but in closing I should like my young readers to remember that "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." (Job 28:2828And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. (Job 28:28).) C. J. L.
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