s that Mr. Franklin could not think of accepting his proposition; and the result was, that he took Benjamin away, much to his disappointment. The boy submitted to his father's decision, however, w

his brother James returned from England, where he learned the printer's trade. H

Mr. Franklin of Benjamin. "I have been thinking that it was a good thing you did n

this that I have not for the c

n, being fond of books, and such things belonging to

ded Benjamin. "Perhaps I should have a better oppo

type may be as interesting and profitable as anything you could find in

d like the business better than almost anything I

welve years of age, and you can certainly acquire the best know

id Benjamin; "but I shall

nclination to be a printer, I do not wish to have you undertake it. I have no

now than I do of any other," replied

angements can be made. The prospects of the business are not very flat

nly his board and clothes until the last year, when he would receive journeyman's wages. This was a good opportunity on the whole, for printing was in its infancy in America at that time. It i

, and leave his father's roof for such a boarding-place as his brother might provide, he hesitated about taking the step. He stated his objections frankly and fully to his

ghly gratified with his close attention to his business, and commended him for the use he made of his leisure moments in reading. He was introduced now to another class of acquaintances, so that his opportunities for getting books to read

to him, "if you will return it clean in the morning," alluding to

think I can read it through before I go to bed, and

ep, if you read that book through befo

est of it, if I can have the reading of this book. I sha

eep it longer. If you do not read it all to-night, and we do not sell it to-morrow, you can take it home with you

safe and sound," said Benjamin, as he left the

nts than he was in pleasant dreams. A short nap, after the volume was finished, was all that time coul

lumes which he must return in the morning. In this way his mind was much improved, so that he began to be noticed in the office as a boy of great promise. One day Mr. Matthe

ad in the evenings, and occasionall

you will never regret spending your time in this way. I should be glad to sh

idently delighted with this unexpected offer; "

respect," repeated Mr. Adams. "Boys who are not privileged to go to school

with genuine cordiality. He showed him his library, and allowed him to select any book he preferred to carry home, and invited him to come as often as he pleased for others. This was a brimful cup of

anufacturing many books in a year, and scattering them over the land, as is the case to-day. Neither were there any libraries at that time. The idea of a collection of books to lend for the public good had not entered the minds of men,-a striking contrast with this feature of society now, when a city like Boston opens its splendid Public Library of seventy-five thousand volumes, free to all

ny hours. This fact won his confidence, as it does the confidence of every one. There is no quality that does more to gain a good name for an individual, and inspire the confidence of his fellow-men, than this one of punctuality. It is so generally found in company with other excellent traits of character, that it seems to be taken for granted, usually, that the punctual person is worthy in other respects. This qualit