The work comprises a biography of Elder Franklin from his childhood—embracing his early life and surroundings, his conversion, consecration to the work of preaching; his early efforts, trials, sufferings and encouragements. There are in this portion of his life some touching and pathetic incidents concerning his wife’s struggles with poverty. His labor and growth as a preacher are recorded, his mistakes and faults are presented with fairness. His career as a writer is given, his connection with the various questions that presented themselves as matter of controversy with the denominations and among the disciples, his positions, changes and arguments are presented with fairness. Short sketches are given of many of the associates of Elder Franklin.
The style is plain, direct and very attractive. We found it difficult to lay the book aside when we had once looked into it until we finished it. Our readers will find it an interesting and instructive volume. We hope all of them will get it and read it.—D. Lipscomb.
The publisher has done his work well. There is nothing flashing nor fanciful in its make up. The man whose deeds it records was a plain, practical man. On pages 68 and 71 is a very just tribute to the humble, patient woman, the wife of Benjamin Franklin, who waits a little longer until the summons comes to call her home. The paragraph is a just and beautiful tribute from an affectionate son to a pious and devoted mother. Read it.
I hope that the book will have a very wide circulation. Let every one who can do so buy and read the Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin.—B. B. Tyler.
We are much pleased with a cursory glance at its contents. The tribute of love and affection which Joseph Franklin pays to his mother, when reciting her trials and tribulations as the wife of a poor and struggling preacher, and when recalling her devotion and self-sacrifice in the darkest days of a pioneer’s life, starts tears unbidden from our eyes, and causes us to thank God that he has given to the Church such peerless and faultless mothers.—John F. Rowe.
We have received from the publisher, John Burns, “The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin.” It is a very neat and attractive volume of 508 pages. The publisher deserves much praise for the mechanical execution of the work. It is printed on good paper, and in large type, and old persons can read it with pleasure. We will speak of it again when we shall have read it.—Dr. W. H. Hopson.