See "Reading Club," No. 2, pp. 15, 39; No. 3, pp. 28, 97; No. 4, pp. 19, 36, 92.
DIDACTIC.
1. To teach—what is it but to learn
Each day some lesson fair or deep,
The while our hearts toward others yearn,—
The hearts that wake toward those that sleep?
To learn—what is it but to teach
By aspect, manner, silence, word,
The while we far and farther reach
Within thy treasures, O our Lord?
Then who but is a learner aye?
And who but teaches, well or ill?
Receiving, giving, day by day,—
So grows the tree, so flows the rill.
2. All professions should be liberal; and there should be less pride felt in peculiarity of employment, and more in excellence of achievement. And yet more: in each several profession no master should be too proud to do its hardest work. The painter should grind his own colors; the architect work in the mason's yard with his men; the master-manufacturer be himself a more skilful operative than any man in his mills; and the distinction between one man and another be only in experience and skill, and the authority and wealth which these must naturally and justly obtain.
3. Now, my co-mates and brothers in exile,
Hath not old custom made this life more sweet
Than that of painted pomp? Are not these woods
More free from peril than the envious court?
Here feel we but the penalty of Adam,
The seasons' difference; as, the icy fang
And churlish chiding of the winter's wind,
Which, when it bites and blows upon my body,
Even till I shrink with cold, I smile, and say,
This is no flattery: these are counsellors
That feelingly persuade me what I am.
Sweet are the uses of adversity,
Which, like the toad, ugly and venomous,
Wears yet a precious jewel in his head;
And this our life, exempt from public haunt,
Finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks,
Sermons in stones, and good in every thing.
See "Reading Club," No. 1, p. 82; No. 2, pp. 88, 76; No. 3, p. 59.
PUBLIC ADDRESS.
1. Let not, then, the young man sit with folded hands, calling on Hercules. Thine own arm is the demigod: it was given thee to help thyself. Go forth into the world trustful, but fearless. Exalt thine adopted calling or profession. Look on labor as honorable, and dignify the task before thee, whether it be in the study, office, counting-room, work-shop, or furrowed field. There is an equality in all, and the resolute will and pure heart may ennoble either.