THOMAS EDWARD. 89 



within my narrow circle of acquaintance, and it is 

 surely narrow enough, I knew one who was untutored 

 as any of you, had as little money as you could have, 

 wrought longer horns than any farm servant ever did, 

 save in harvest, reared a family perhaps as big as any 

 have here or about the country-side, having ten 

 daughters, and each of these lasses has a brother ; yet 

 that man found time and means, unaided, mark you, 

 and unencouraged, to do that which has made his name 

 familiar and respected in every quarter of the habitable 

 globe. More. He can now jingle a shilling in his 

 pouch, whereas before, if it did ever see a coin at all, it 

 was simply a bawbee awhile on Sabbath. This is no 

 fabrication — a sensational hitch as it were. I am in a 

 position to prove every word I have said. This, then, 

 is still farther encouragement to you and all like you, 

 whether of the country or the town. Have the will, 

 and take no heed for the rest. Strive after knowledge, 

 and diligently seek that wisdom which is from above. 

 This obtained, everything would be changed to you, 

 would wear a newer aspect. You would be changed 

 yourselves, and in time would feel and see things 

 differently. You would have pleasure and enjoyments 

 you at present have no idea of — your very lives, as a 

 natural consequence, would be sweeter." 



He counts among his proudest possessions a letter 

 sent to him by Lord Beaconsfield, announcing a pension 

 of 50/. from the Queen. It was written by the late 

 Premier's own hand, and bore his signature — 

 " Beaconsfield." This he has had framed with another 

 picture — a cartoon from Punch, of which a reduced 



