to collect and concentrate the mind for
the truth is harder than to toil with the hands. Be it so. But are we
weak enough to hope to rise without toil? Does any man, laborer or not,
expect to invigorate body or mind without strenuous effort? Does not the
child grow and get strength by throwing a degree of hardship and
vehemence and conflict into his very sports? Does not life without
difficulty become insipid and joyless? Cannot a strong interest turn
difficulty into pleasure? Let the love of truth, of which I have spoken,
be awakened, and obstacles in the way to it will whet, not discourage,
the mind, and inspire a new delight into its acquisition.

I have hitherto spoken of force of thought in general. My views will be
given more completely and distinctly, by considering, next, the objects
on which this force is to be exerted. These may be reduced to two
classes, matter and mind--the physical world which falls under our eyes,
and the spiritual world. The working man is particularly called to make
matter his study, because his business is to work on it, and he works
more wisely, effectually, cheerfully, and honorably, in proportion as he
knows what he acts upon, knows the laws and forces of which he avails
himself, understands the reason of what he does, and can explain the
changes which fall under his eye. Labor becomes a new thing when thought
is thrown into it, when the mind keeps pace with the hands. Every farmer
should study chemistry, so as to understand the elements or ingredients
which enter into soils, vegetation, and manures, and the laws according
to which they combine with and are loosened from one another. So, the
mechanic should understand the mechanical powers, the laws of motion, and
the history and composition of the various substances which he works on.
Let me add, that the farmer and the mechanic should cultivate the
perception of beauty. What a charm and new value might the farmer add to
his grounds and cottage, were he a man of taste! The product of the
mechanic, be it great or small, a house or a shoe, is worth more,
sometimes much more, if he can succeed in giving it the grace of
proportion. In France, it is not uncommon to teach drawing to mechanics,
that they may get a quick eye and a sure hand, and may communicate to
their works the attraction of beauty. Every man should aim to impart
this perfection to his labors. The more of mind we carry into toil, the
better. Without a h