night, which never encroach upon each other, but make the world beautiful and fertile for the abode of all the dwellers upon the face of it; under those two great lights, which the wise and beneficent Creator made in the firmament of heaven, and set them for signs, and for seasons, and for years, (Gen. I. v. 14 to 18.) "And God saw that it was good."
I am, very truly,
Your friend and serv't,
J. Montgomery.
Franklin—The Printer, Philosopher and Patriot.
BY JAMES MONTGOMERY.
He called down Lightning from the Sky,
And, e'er the Thunder made reply,
The flash, like Inspiration, came,
Heaven's own pure fire through all his frame;
Not the dread bolt, whose sudden stroke
Prostrates the Tower or rends the Oak;
A touch, a pulse, a spark revealed
A secret from all ages sealed;
One trembling moment, in its flight,
Drew such a train of wondrous light,
That his wrapt spirit seemed to pierce
The mystery of the Universe;
And scan the Power, which like a Soul,
Informs, expands and rules the whole,
God's hidden minister, whose will
All Nature's Elements fulfil.
There standing, when the deed was done,
That victory of Science won.
He planted where his foot had trod
His conquering Spear—the Electric Rod !
A trophy, simple and sublime—
His monument, defying Time.
That was to him a glorious day.
Whose time can never pass away;
Philosophy had triumphed there,
A nobler Wreath he lived to share;
He lived, a brighter day to see—
His country by the PRESS made free !
P.S. I beg to state that since the year 1825, I have had no other connection with the Press, than as an author, occasionally appearing in prose or rhyme.
From the Letterpress Printers of the "Mark Lane Express" Office.
London, Dec. 24, 1846.
Gentlemen:—Sympathy with the fraternal spirit which induced your Committee to communicate with us, we are happily impelled to respond, at the same time applauding your virtuous enthusiasm in the cause of the illustrious Franklin, and the sociality evinced to us from the Western shores of the Atlantic.
Were we able to accept of your invitation to be present at the Anniversary of the Birth-day of the Printer, Philosopher, and Statesman, we should with unbounded joy, be willing to join your social band; but, this not being probable, we can only imagine the happiness that would ensue from such a meeting.
Accept, then, from a body of fellow-laborers in the cause of civilization, our most sincere and heart-felt thanks, at the same time informing you, that your notice of us in this far-distant land, awakens such feelings as should always possess the human breast—namely, feelings of goodwill to all men.
Did we eulogise the merits of Franklin, it would be vain: they are already known throughout the earth—his maxims alone form a considerable portion of the ethics of the human race. It is for us then, to profit by them, and endeavor, to the utmost extent, through their agency, to improve ourselves and others.
In writing you farewell—and in regret at our separation—we have only to state, in the names of thirty individuals, our ardent satisfaction in the cause you have so energetically undertaken. Should fortune compel us to visit your country, we will not fail in calling at the good city of Rochester.
Signed in behalf of the Chapel,*
J. P. Parson, Father,
Jas. Coleman, Clerk.
- Probably all the craft in Western New York may not have a knowledge of the existence, or use of "Chapels." We would state, that they are composed of the workmen in each office—duly organized; in case of misunderstanding among the men, or between the employer and men, the Clerk notifies all the members to appear, by sending a quoin crossed with chalk; the place of deliberation is around the imposing stone. The Chapel has cognizance of all matters pertaining to the general interests of the craft. p. c.
Canadian Correspondence.
The Committee of Arrangements acknowledge the receipt of a letter of apology for the "Craft" of Toronto, from the gentleman presenting the latter sentiment—several of whom, up to a late hour, contemplated an attendance, in propria persona, but found it quite impracticable to do so. This being the case, it was their intention to have forwarded their sentiments by telegraph, but they were again disappointed, as the wires had become disarranged. However, he adds, "we hope to be among the *** on the next Anniversary, and em the opportunity of shaking ☞ ☜ with some of your able confreres and justify ourselves in their ii for our apparent neglect. The following are the toasts referred to:
By Joseph H. Lawrence, Esq., Printer and Publisher of the "Christian Guardian"—Peace—Union—and Prosperity:–May we ever enjoy the first—long live to promote the second—and never be without the third !
Bv James Watkins, Esq., Foreman in the "British Colonist Office"—The Electric Telegraph!—All praise to it! as a British Colonist of Toronto, can, in a second of time, transmit his kindest wishes to an American and Democrat of Rochester, and hopes that its lightning wires may cement a friendship between them as lasting and imperishable as the name of him, who, being at once a Printer and Philosopher, first drew the electric fluid from Heaven to Earth, to subserve the interests of Man.
