DEDICATORY PREFACE. DEAR RUDOLPHE, Notwithstanding the lengthened experience I have had in watching and guiding young men,-many of whom, too, were orphans, and are now at the head of establishments, and several with establishments of their own,-I know no one to whom this little volume can be more appropriately dedicated than to yourself; for you have not only distinguished yourself by PATIENT INDUSTRY, but you were an honour and a blessing to a dear departed Parent, and from your example and aid you were the means of raising your two surviving brothers to enviable positions in society. You are still young, Rudolphe; indeed, the united ages of all three barely exceed a century; and, though high in your profession, let honourable emulation still sway your mind. On! on! Be an example and a pattern for those who are struggling as you once were, and show them how much a vigilant boy may attain by industry, patience, and perseverance. You remember the story of the three brothers—Cadenet, Luynes, and Brandes-told by Victor Hugo. They began their travels in life, having amongst them one mantle, which they, to show a goodly appearance, wore in turns. One of those poor lads became the Duke de Chaulnes; the second, Constable of France; and the third, Duke de Luxembourg. Rudophe, you may not be a Duke, nor an English Peer; but England has in the hearts of a generous people many a niche left for worth and talent. On! on! The youthful aspirants that your EXAMPLE stimulates to exertions of PERSEVERANCE, SELF-CULTURE, and SELF-DENIAL will keep alive the bright flame that burnt so fervently in your own bosom ! Such a flame, Rudolphe, is undying glory! On! on! INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. PATIENT KNOWLEDGE. THE DISCONTENTED PENDULUM.SPARE MOMENTS OF GREAT MEN. ATIENCE IS GENIUS," was the maxim of the great naturalist Buffon. His argu ment is-men do not so much differ one from another in the gifts of intellect, as in the practice of the supreme virtue Patience! for with her aid, and by dint of industry and perseverance, there is hardly any position in society a man may not attain. Dr. Johnson entertained a like opinion. He says, "the mental diseases of the present generation are impatience of study, contempt of the great masters of ancient wisdom, and a disposition to rely on unassisted genius and natural sagacity. Young men are eager to arrive at great results without the drudgery of labour; they are desirous of being scientific and learned, rich and wise, without paying the inevitable price-PatienceCourage-and Fortitude." On the same subject Sir Robert Peel observes::-"There is a presumption, amounting almost to certainty, that if any one will DETERMINE to be eminent in whatever position he may choose, and will act with unswerving steadiness in pursuance of that determination, he will, if strength and health be given, infallibly succeed." Dryden knew this: "There is a necessity in Fate. Why still the brave, bold man is fortunate; He keeps his object ever full in sight, And that assurance holds him firm and right. But right before there is no precipice: Fear makes men look aside, and so their footing miss." B |