“Franklin” is another word for usefulness, self-denial, frugality,
perseverance, and independence. A poor printer’s boy, who, by his own
unaided powers raised himself from the lowest place of society to the
highest, and contributed alike to the advancement of science, and to the
independence of one of the finest countries of the earth. His discovery
of the identity of lightning and electricity, and the invention of the
lightning-rod; the explanation of the _aurora borealis_ and
thunder-gusts upon electrical principles, are triumphs of the
philosopher. His ardent support of the new Republic, his activity,
judgment, and resources, speak for the statesman and the lover of
liberty. His language unadorned, but ever pure and expressive; his
reasoning manly and cogent, and so concise that he never exceeded a
quarter of an hour in any public address. His correspondence a model of
clearness and compendious brevity. Scrupulously punctual in all his
dealings. An exemplar of economy, and regularity. His life, one of the
most instructive and encouraging studies for youth, since it exhibits
the sufferings, the trials, the power, and the victory of self-command,
temperance and industry, and the reward of genius overcoming all the
difficulties of fortune.
[By Houdon.]
424A. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN. _Statesman and Philosopher._
[By Hiram Powers.]