A Lancashire Working-Man

Abstract

From The British Workman, this image and the accompanying text shows the benefits of abstinence; a house, healthy children and a comfortable domestic life are all shown as being attainable for the temperate worker.

THE BRITISH WORKMAN.

A Lancashire Working-man, who now lives, “rent free,” in his “own home.”

“MY OWN HOUSE.”
WHAT an interesting sight it is when a working-man, after the toils of the day, takes out his ‘Penny Paper,’ (instead of going to the beer-shop for ‘news’) and reads to his wife, occasionally pausing to encourage his children in their useful amusements with their box of bricks and toys! We are very anxious that the hard-working sons of toil should strive to have comfortable dwellings, and, where possible, possess their “own homes.” By industrious and frugal habits many working-men might live rent free. A goodly number of our readers in Lancashire, Warwickshire, and other Midland and Northern Counties have accomplished this desirable object. We purpose giving an account in an early number, of “How a Lancashire man bought his little freehold!” in the hope that it will induce many of our readers to go and do likewise.”

RESOLVE, - and tell your wife of your good resolution. She will aid it all she can. Her step will be lighter, and her hand will be busier all day, expecting the comfortable evening at home, when you return. Household affairs will have been well attended to. A place for everything, and everything in its place, will, like some good genius, have made even a humble home the scene of neatness, arrangement, and taste. The table will be ready at the fireside, - the loaf will be one of that order which says by its appearance, “You may cut and come again.” The cups and saucers will be waiting for supplies. The kettle will be singing; and the children, happy with fresh air and exercise, will be smiling in their glad anticipation of that evening meal when father is at home, and of the pleasant reading afterwards.

ARE you not surprised to find how independent of money, peace of conscience is, and how much happiness can be condensed in the humblest home! A cottage will not hold the bulky furniture and sumptuous accommodations of a mansion ; but if the love of God be there, a little cottage might hold as much happiness as might stock a magnificent palace.

All the back Nos. of the “BRITISH WORKMAN” have been reprinted, and our readers can now complete their sets, by ordering at once through any Bookseller or Newsagent.

HOME is the residence, not merely of the body, but of the heart; it is a place for the affections to unfold and develop themselves; for children to learn, and love, and play in; for husband and wife to toil smilingly together, and make life a blessing. The object of all ambition should be to be happy at home. If we are not happy there, we cannot be happy elsewhere. It is the best proof of the virtues of a family circle to see a happy fireside. Working-men! Strive to make ‘home’ the happiest spot on earth! You will have a hundredfold reward.

THERE is something in that little word “home” which lifts the heart into the throat, and ever excites intense emotion in the British soldier on service. Let, for instance, but the bugle of a light regiment play “Home, sweet home,” and you will perceive an uneasiness creep into every chatting circle; and then silence will ensure, and many a head will be turned aside from the watchfire to listen to that air, which perhaps more than any other, conjures up in the mind’s-eye of all of us the comforts of dear Old England. – Letter from the Camp.

“The Seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God,”
“Six days shalt thou labour, and do all that thou hast to do.”

FROM “FRANK’S SUNDAY COAT.”

“Frank’s Sunday Coat.” – This very interesting narrative has now been reprinted, with five beautiful illustrations.* We recommend it to the perusal of every working-man. If all our readers will follow Frank’s example during the Fifty-two Sundays of 1861, we feel assured that they will be happier, healthier, and wealthier.
*One of the Series of ‘ILLUSTRATED TACTICS.’ Price Threepence each. No. 9, Paternoster Row. E.C.

THE HEAVENLY HOME.
My rest is in Heaven, my rest is not here,
Then why should I murmur when trials are near?
Be hush’d, my dark spirit, - the worst that can come,
But shortens thy journey, and hastens thee home.
Home, home, sweet home, - Receive me, dear Saviour,
in glory at home.
It is not for me to be seeking my bliss,
And building my hope in a region like this;
I look for a city which hands have not pil’d,
I pant for a country by sin undefil’d.
Home, home, sweet home, &c.
The thorn and the thistle around me may grow
I would not lie down upon roses below;
I ask not my portion, I seek not my rest,
Till I find it for ever in Jesus’s breast.
Home, home, sweet home, &c.
Let doubt, then, or danger my progress oppose,
They only make Heaven more sweet at the close;
Come joy, or come sorrow, whate’er may befall,
One hour with my God will make up for it all.
Home, home, sweet home, &c.

PACKETS BY POST.

The Publisher will forward packets of the “British Workman” to any part of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Shetland and Orkney Isles, POST FREE, as under:-

4 copies for 4d., or for one year 4s.
8 “ 8d., “ 8s.
12 “ 1s. 0d., “ 12s.
16 “ 1s. 4d., “ 16s.
20 “ 1s. 8d., “ 20s.
24 “ 2s. 0d., “ 24s.
50 “ 4s. 2d., “ 50s. } Must be paid in Advance.

Orders to be addressed to MR. SAMUEL W. PARTRIDGE, No. 9, Paternoster Row, London. E.C.

Now ready, the YEARLY PART of the “British Workman,” for 1860. Price 1s. 6d. Also the VOLUME, bound in cloth, containing the Complete Edition from the commencement. Price 9s. ; gilt edges, 10s. 6d.

In our next number we shall offer TWENTY VOLUMES as PRIZES for the best specimens of Writing by Working-men, of twenty different occupations.

London: GEORGE WATSON, Printer, Kirby St., Hatton Garden.

London : Published monthly, at the Office, No.9, PATERNOSTER ROW : also by W. TWEEDIE, 337, Strand, and A. W. BENNETT, 5, Bishopsgate Street Without.