poorest being upon earth? No one possessed of common feeling and justice. A considerable portion of our mechanics and labourers
of the present day are but mere organized machines: their hours of relaxation are spent in sensual gratifications, and they are impelled to labour only by the knowledge that if they do not do so they must starve. They look upon their employers, and all those who move in a sphere above themselves, as beings of another nature, by whom they are trodden down and oppressed, and are restrained from outrage and insubordination by the iron hand of power alone. If this class could receive in infancy the foundation of a good substantial education, which would give them a taste for rational and intellectual amusements, and teach them the duty of respecting themselves, it would render them, as regards those above them, more obedient, more industrious, more respectful, and more just; and, as regards themselves, more frugal, more cleanly, more orderly, and far happier. It may also make them capable of distinguishing injury and insult from justice and acts of kindness, and enable them to show approbation or resentment accordingly; but this would be matter of pleasure to all who adhere to the golden maxim "Do unto others as you would they should do unto you." They may also evince a predilection for refinement and intellectual improvement, but the rules of good order would not be broken by their gratification in this respect. There is no just reason why a person engaged in the lowest employment should not have a neat little retiring room, with carpetted floor, comfortably furnished, with books, musical instruments, or anything which
