A STRANGE CHARACTER

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 7, 1901

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 27, No. 32.

A STRANGE CHARACTER.

IN looking up some chronicles the other day, I came upon the story of a man who died on the first of October, 185 years ago. The man was Thomas Britton. He was a peddler of coal, carrying it around in a basket or sack, and he lived in a chamber above his coal store. Yet his associates were the most distinguished men of the day in London, and a famous painter employed his genius to make his portrait, and a noted poet celebrated him in his verses.

He became celebrated and the friend of great men simply because of what he was. He possessed an exquisite musical taste and managed to establish musical reunions in his dingy chamber, to which the most aristocratic society in London was glad to be invited as a privilege. Distinguished lords and elegant ladies met the coalman there in his plain garb, and were fascinated by his manners and conversation. The renowned Handel was not ashamed to play in the coalman’s chamber for his brilliant guests.

Britton was also at home with rare books and manuscripts, and the welcome friend of the book-lovers of his day. These men, among whom were noble dukes and earls, as well as authors of note, used to meet at the book-store of Bateman, a dealer of that day, and Britton would finish his rounds with coal, then leave his sack at the window, and go in among the titled company. He must have had rare tact and the highest of gifts to break through the barriers of society in that exclusive age. He is a shining example of the power of real worth to conquer in the humblest station.

It is not said that he ever neglected his daily work; yet he lived amid an atmosphere of taste and learning in spite of his dingy trade and dusty clothes. In this day, probably, a man of such talents would find some other occupation. But he was never ashamed of his work.

The lesson of such a life as that of Thomas Britton is not far to seek. Not only does any occupation leave room for the acquisition of talents and accomplishments, but mental and moral qualities will shine in spite of their surroundings. Britton was a respected musical critic and leader in literary society, tho always a coalman. A great purpose to serve the world can be formed and carried out by a worker at any trade.—Selected.