Black diamonds; or, The curiosities of coal

Chapter I. The Subject Opened

THOSE who have read a work published some months ago, entitled "Home and Abroad; or, The Wonders of Familiar Objects," need no further introduction to the Dean family. But that all other readers may properly understand the principal characters with which they will hold intercourse in the following pages, their presence is again invoked that a formal introduction may here be given. Mr. Dean was the esteemed pastor of a large church in the State of New York located in a town known as Willow Brook. It was situated in a rural and highly picturesque district, the church being one of the oldest in that part of the State. The congregation was made up of an intelligent and prosperous, class of citizens. They were mainly from a New England parentage, retaining much of the disposition, thrift, and stern religious virtues of their ancestors, a lineage of which they were justly proud.

Mr. Dean, while warmly adhering to the general statements of the creed cherished by his forefathers from a firm conviction of their scriptural soundness, had nevertheless mellowed down some of their rough aspects by a more careful study of nature under the increasing light of modern science. In their day astronomy, geology, and kindred sciences were but in their infancy, and had been seized by skeptics to lay sacrilegious hands on the holy volume of inspiration so dearly cherished by them as the charter of their rights and hopes of heaven. Prompt and earnest to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, the pious fathers had rushed to the defence of the truth of revelation, unconscious that in some of their methods they were beating against the citadel of truth in nature, which is but another form of the divine manifestation. Receiving much of his training under the old regime, it was not surprising that he for a time rested in the shadow of its mistaken conclusions. But a further and more careful investigation of these subjects, with the new facts brought to light by Newton, Chalmers, Mitch el, and other eminent and devout scientists, had brought him, as it will other truth-seeking investigators, to. the clear and happy conviction that all true science, whether involving mind or matter, but confirms and harmonizes with the principles of divine revelation. With this increased light, the study of science was a joy and an illumination. So clear to him was the fact that God is the same everywhere, in nature as in the word of inspiration, that he bowed with most devout reverence to the teachings of both, clearly making the distinction in purpose between the two records — nature revealing his wisdom and power, and the inspired word his grace and love in the greater work of redemption. With this sanctified conception, he was very diligent and careful in the study of both records, and equally as intent when the object of contemplation was the humblest tuft of- moss or animated drop of ditch w T ater as when sweeping the heavens, with a transfixed gaze, through some powerful instrument. He had ceased to tremble for the ark of the Lord, however roughly infidelity might try to jostle it by heaping up the objections of perverted science before its progress.

Of Mrs. Dean it could most truthfully be said, " The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her." She was a devoted Christian wife and mother, and very ardently beloved and honored by all who knew her — a power in the community, where her works praised her in unobtrusive acts of charity and kindness. She was an example to the old and a safe counselor to the young, blending the carefulness of Martha in her devotion to the wants of her household with the fervent piety of Mary in her worship.

Ella was the eldest of Mr. Dean's children, a somewhat sedate girl, but sensitive and sympathetic almost to a fault. She was an enthusiastic lover of the beautiful, and devotedly attached to music — a warm-hearted and consistent Christian woman, caring more to possess the adornments of the Spirit than to shine in personal decorations.

Minnie, the other daughter, was a few years younger than her sister, and was a perfect bundle of whims and oddities, sharp-witted, and with a great exuberance of spirits, yet full of generous and warm impulses. Often guilty of improprieties and under censure, yet she was the life and pet of the household. She acquired knowledge almost by intuition, but was always sure to arrive at the whimsical aspect of a subject first, though laughter and tears often struggled for mastery over her countenance.

Milton, the youngest child and only son, w r as now verging toward manhood. He was ardent and impulsive, and had been vacillating and discontented, cherishing the mistaken notion that home was a dull place, and must be forsaken before the real zest of life could be enjoyed. To cure this unfortunate disposition, Mr. Dean had brought into exercise all his skill and love of nature to educate the senses and mind of his son, and his daughters also, to behold the wonders of creative power which are scattered everywhere. In this earnest endeavor he had been remarkably successful. The process by which this happy conclusion was reached is described in the volume referred to at the commencement of this chapter. From being dissatisfied with home surroundings, and wholly wanting in a capacity to discover anything worth looking at near its location, Milton had become a very enthusiastic student, searching into its natural history, collecting specimens of its rocks, plants, birds, animals, and insects. He had in this way accumulated quite a respectable cabinet, and was not unskilled in the matters of science which his specimens involved. In pursuing the course which had proved so far successful, Mr. Dean availed himself of every opportunity to add still further to the gratification and improvement of his children, being fully persuaded that all time and money thus spent was more than repaid by the stores of wisdom treasured in their minds, and by the stronger binding of the home ties. The contents of this volume will set before the reader the manner in which Mr. Dean continued the pursuit of his object.

Regarding the religious culture of his children as a paramount consideration, the father never lost sight of this purpose, whatever might be the subject of investigation. The fact that they all now cherished hope in Christ and were visible members of the church did not cause him to lose sight of this prime object, for he regarded the development of a higher Christian life in those who already believed in Christ as a special motive for parental anxiety and carefulness.

In pursuance of his purpose, it will be seen in the subsequent pages how steadily every investigation ends in an exhibition of the wisdom and goodness of God. However remotely the first link of the design might be hidden, or however intricate the gradual development, it was certainly traced up to the eternal mind and shown to exemplify the infinite beneficence. With this aim before the mind, a piece of coal to Mr. Dean was as pertinent a text as the sublimer wonders of astronomy. Indeed, few subjects could be chosen more susceptible of bringing out the riches and depths of eternal wisdom: in itself dark as the shroud that once covered the void of the " great deep ;" but questioned as to its origin and purpose, a. divine illumination takes place, as though once again the voice of the great Creator was heard saying, " Let there be light !" and, lo ! the dark subject is glowing with celestial brightness. It is now seen what ages of preparation were devoted to building up a proper setting for the massive Black Diamond. A fused world blazed through countless years to form a nucleus, and then the mighty void of boundless, curbless waters rolled and dashed their maddened waves until they were gathered in the hollow of the divine hand and subdued to order and harmony by restraining barriers; Then all the vital energies of nature were put forth in one mighty miracle of growth, converting a club moss into a mammoth tree and a pigmy fern into a worthy compeer, and so multiplying their numbers that the very earth was hidden in the awful depths of vegetation. To complete the magnificent structure, over this is spread a new world, and the mighty gem is pressed into its sublime settings, there to wait through untold ages till the wants of man, for whose use it was prepared, should evoke it again to the light and bid it glow for his benefit, warming his hearth or melting the iron bands which had so long held it a captive in its rock-ribbed dungeon.

To appreciate the value and relations of a thing,- it must not only be estimated by its own intrinsic excellence, but be examined in the light of the multiplied and marvelous agencies combined in its production. Thus considered, there is hardly an object in the whole round of nature possessed of more elements of astonishment than the black heap of carbon which we pile into our grates and furnaces. It is surprising that such an interesting subject has not long before this been put into a shape that would please and instruct both old and young. If it has been done, the fact has escaped the notice of the writer, or he would not have put this venture before his readers. Whether this work will reach the niche open to receive a proper monument to this humble but most useful servant of man, others must judge. He can sincerely declare this much — the attempt is an honest effort to make the best use of his materials. No boast will be made of the resources at hand nor the manner of using them, further than to state that, with a deep interest in the subject, much careful reading, and original observation, the author brings to the preparation of this volume an experience acquired in the issue of two previous works of a similar character, which have been received with a favor far beyond his most sanguine expectations. The same motives have guided his thoughts and pen over all the pages he has traced in this series of works — the honor and glory of God and the present and future well-being of the young. Higher motives he could not have; and if the aim has not been reached, there is a satisfaction in the consciousness that the attempt has been honestly and devoutly made.

To the author, the study of nature has been a passion and a delight, ever serving as a ladder on which an ascent heavenward was attempted. Devoutly standing at its base, and looking hopefully upward, the glory of the descending angel has often filled the wondering sight, and the quickened soul has sought to follow the bright companionship on its celestial return. If the reality has not quite reached the aspiration, there has at least been cherished a devout thankfulness that on so many occasions the quickened apprehension could truly say, " The Lord was in this place !" There has been a sweet realization that such sanctified communion with nature brings the soul very near to the gates of paradise. Feeling thus, the author gives this volume to the reader as his Ebexezer : " Hitherto hath the Lord helped me !"

As in his previous works, the writer has ever kept a twofold object in view — first, to communicate to all his readers valuable and pleasing information in some department of natural science which could be made available for the best purposes of life; and, secondly and mainly, to lead the mind to clearer and «devouter conceptions of God and his wonderful works.

It is proper that due acknowledgment should be

made to Lyell, Dana, Steele, Winchell, Miller, and 2 others, for facts and suggestions. It should be stated, however, that the author does not wish to be understood as entering into geological controversies, nor as fully adopting the theories of some of these writers as to the precise length of time intended in the six days of creation. It is not absolutely essential to decide the question whether they must be considered six calendar days or vast periods of time in which the divine will was unfolded. In either case the facts are unchanged. It embodies the creative energy and wisdom of God, which is the lesson sought to be inculcated. God created the beginning and he will finish the ending, and it is a small matter to comprehend all that lies between these two points when God bounds them both and fills up all that intermediates. These views are held as established — the general agency of fire, water, and vegetation in fitting the earth stage by stage for the purposes of God. These convictions have been embodied in the earlier chapters of the volume, in Mr. Dean's conversations with his children previous to their journey to the coal-mines.

The question of the time given to each of the great preparatory epochs of creative development seems to be one of small moment. With eternity at his disposal, the Almighty is never under compulsion to hurry any of his works. A sudden completion of creation might have illustrated more impressively the omnipotence of God, but it never could have exalted the wisdom of the Creator as does that allpervading, all-sweeping, unifying mind, gathering up the grand results of one mighty age and linking them to the fresh energies of a new epoch, making all obedient to his sovereign will. As we mark how God plotted out the earth in outline, and then filled up the void by the slow accretion of ages, each serving as the steppingrstone or foundation for something higher, w T e realize as we never could by one mighty act of Jehovah the "eternal power and Godhead" of the infinite One. God may wrap a world in night and shroud it with a boundless ocean, but in this awful grandeur he is not so wonderfully present as w T hen his spirit-moved upon the face of the waters, and he said, "Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." It was not the earth's magnitude, but the subjection of its mighty possibilities to order, "that called forth the divine approbation : " And God saw everything that he had made, and behold it was very good.' , The devout mind will be awed more by the beneficent unity of creation than by its incomprehensible magnitude, while poor baffled skepticism will utter its blasphemies because it cannot fathom all the unsearchable ways of the Almighty and search out and link together the great chain of causes, while striving to the utmost to sever every link that binds man to his Maker.

Let the reader decide which will be the most satisfying to the mind and conducive to happiness — to study nature only to be perplexed and baffled, saying, " When I sought to know this, it was too wonderful for me/' or to see God everywhere and in everything.

"'There's nothing bright, above, below, From flowers that bloom to stars that glow, But in its light my soul can see Some features of the Deity.

"The light, the dark, where'er I look, Shall be one pure and shining book, "Where I may read, in words of flame, The glories of thy wondrous name."

While the aim of these pages will be to teach interesting facts in the formation of the earth, yet the main purpose is to set the Lord before the eyes, so that in looking at the revelations of nature we may behold in its whole circle of truths only so many ways in which our heavenly Father commends unto us his love : " For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead.''

Chapter II. The Prize Won

« TTURRAH for Mauch Chunk and the ' Switch-

-■— *- back !' " shouted Milton Dean as with a hop, skip, and a jump he rushed from his father's study into the sitting-room, where his mother and sisters were seated.

" Why, my son," said the mother, " how rude and boisterous you are ! If you are not more civilized, you will be likely to get a ' switched back ' without going so far to obtain it."

"Thank you, mother; I'm well acquainted with that route, and don't care to take any more journeys in that direction."

"Then manifest a little more quietness, and we shall listen to what you have to say with pleasure, for I judge you have something agreeable to communicate."

" I should think I have," replied the son. " You

know, mother, I was bothered in choosing a subject

for my composition for the prize examination, and

asked father to help me. He told me to take the

18 BLACK DIAMOJSDS.

first thing I saw or thought of, and just then I was looking at the men putting coal into the cellar, and told him so. He said I could not select a better theme, and promised me a visit to Mauch Chunk and the coal-mines if I succeeded in obtaining the prize, and I've got it; and now hurrah for the mines, and won't I have a good time? In preparing my composition I had to read a good deal about the mines and miners, and I had no idea before that the subject was so interesting. I've often heard coal called ' Black Diamonds,' and thought it was ridiculous to compare such common black stuff with the precious gems; but I don't wonder at it now, for coal is really the most valuable.''

" My son," said Mrs. Dean, " coal is not the only common thing in life which has been found on experience to possess more intrinsic value than many objects of greater outward brilliancy; and this will apply equally as well to character. Glitter and show have led to many sad mistakes in life."

" I think I understand you, mother," replied Milton. " We could dispense with gold and diamonds with less inconvenience than we could with coal and iron, and could better spare the poet than the ploughman."

" Yes, that is what I mean, my son. We could manage very well if we possessed neither gold nor precious stones, and, indeed, have proved this byexperience, so far as the last are concerned, as we have never had any costly gems among our treasures. As to the poets, they are delightful companions along life's rough road ; but if not another such rarely-gifted singer should ever be born, the world would manage to get along tolerably well. Exhaust our coal-mines, however, and the loss would be terrible. "Without them, we could hardly build a single railroad or iron ship. The deprivation of luxuries is an inconvenience, but the loss of the real necessaries of life is a calamity ."

" True, mother, and that was one of the points I made in my composition which the committee noticed in their report with commendation. But didn't I work on my piece ! Why, mother, I wrote and rewrote it six or seven times. I first used all the big words I could get into it, and thought they sounded very fine ; but when father read it over, he advised me to cross them all out, and then see how it would sound. Well, I did so, and really was surprised that it read so much better ; and then I found out that a good composition is not made by a multitude of big words, but by choice thoughts plainly expressed."

" A very important thing to learn, my son. We say a thing in the happiest and most attractive way when we put it in those words which make it plainest to the understanding of the reader."

" Oh, mother, you ought to have heard some of the compositions. Such big words and such a jumble of ideas — it was really laughable. Dave Mills showed off his wisdom with the greatest assurance. He boasted of his effort, and said he was sure of getting the prize, for his subject was so profound and intellectual ; and most of the boys thought he would. It was a big word sure enough. Let me see if I can remember it. Idiosyncrasy — yes, that's it ; and then he went on with a grand flourish : ' Idiosyncrasy is a peculiar status that characterizes the individual and constitutes his homogeneity, and prevents him from being lost in the great conglomeration of humanity/ He had a great lot more of just such stuff, and I couldn't tell what it all meant. I don't think the committee could either, for I saw them smile several times while Dave was reading. I tell you I was glad I had crossed out all the big words in my composition. , After Dave had finished his piece, Arabella Dobbs, who you know writes verses, walked out like a queen and gave an ' Ode on a Wounded Cricket.' Let me see if I can recollect any of the stanzas. I thought them more funny than pathetic. She began thus :

u l There was a cricket once that lived Beneath a rotten stump,

Who broke his leg, and then he grieved Because he couldn't jump.

" ' He sung his song both day and night, A happy strain it bore ; But now he's in so sad a plight, He'll never sing it more.

" ' So deep and bitter was his cup, And humbled all his pride, He chirped once, then gathered up His crippled limbs, and died.'

Is that poetry, mother?"

"It is rhyme at least, my son, and that is about as much as can be said iu favor of a great deal that passes for poetry."

"I don't think the committee thought much of Miss Dobbs' poetry, for I saw them smile several times."

" They pitied the poor cricket, I've no doubt," interrupted Minnie, " for it was truly unfortunate to have a broken leg, and then to be embalmed in such execrable doggerel."

" Almost as brilliant as some emanations from the brain of a little sister of mine," remarked Milton.

" Well," retorted the sister, " if they do emanate from my brains, I am glad that there is sense enough left to prevent me from exposing their shallowness by exhibiting my nonsense."

" But," continued Milton, " when my turn came to read my composition, I was so excited I hardly knew what I was about, and was not very confident of success,; but I came out all right, and ain't I glad ! Yes, three times — I have won the first place in the class, got a beautiful set of books, and, best of all, shall have a trip with father and a ride around the c Switchback !' "

"I most heartily share in your gratification, my son," said Mrs. Dean — " more especially because of the evidence it gives of your improvement. I prize it more for this than for any value your reward may possess, however great that may be. And that reminds me, my son, that you have not informed us what your prize is."

" Why, mother, it is a beautiful set of Hugh Miller's works, just the books I've wanted ever since I read ' My Schools and Schoolmasters,' one of the volumes of the set."

" It is, indeed," responded the mother, " a very valuable addition to your library. In reading these volumes, you will learn what great success and distinction may attend the humblest boy who improves the poor opportunities which a life of the severest poverty and labor affords."

" I shall prize the books very highly, mother, and hope I may learn much from perusing them ; but I was more pleased because the committee, in awarding the books, spoke so approvingly of my composition as not only well written, but also presenting interesting facts on a practical subject, instead of being in the popular style of fiction."

"A consideration of great moment, my child," said Mrs. Dean. " The taste for fiction has become morbid. Writers generally overlook the fact that nature abounds in themes which can be so presented as to possess an interest far surpassing the highlywrought sentiment of the novel, as the set of books you have won will most strikingly illustrate."

" But now about the journey. When does your father propose to start ? There will be some necessary preparations, which mother will have to attend to."

" Some time next week, I believe," replied Milton, " though the exact day has not been set."

" Oh, mamma," exclaimed Minnie, " I wonder if papa will let me and Ella go with him ? I should so delight to see the mines, and to ride over the ' Switchback' will be grand. I'll go and fill his mouth so full of kisses that he can't say anything but ' Yes.' Come, Ella, and help me."

" I should be delighted to make the trip with father and brother," replied the sister, " but I don't think it will be kind to tease father into compliance."

" Oh, now, sister," said Minnie, " I know father calls me his little tease, but Fm sure he likes it, and really wants us to go with him, and is just waiting to have us ask him."

" I am not so sure about that, my daughters," said the mother ; " it will cost quite an additional sum for four persons to make such a journey, and your father's purse is not often over-full. Besides, you have just been talking about new winter hats, which will be likely to take all the surplus it may now contain ; so it is more than probable that you cannot be gratified in both of these indulgences."

" I hope Minnie will give up her wild notion," said Ella, " for I think it will be right cruel to ask father to incur any such needless expense."

" Needless !" exclaimed Minnie. " Which do you mean, sister — to cover the outside of the head, or to put something into the inside ? You can make your own choice, but I had rather fix up my old velvet for the winter, and wear my waterproof for another year, than not to go with father. I had rather put my sense into my head than to make a sensation by what I wear on it."

" There may be sense enough in your choice, sister," replied Ella, " but I don't think there will be much sense in your conduct if you importune father into a compliance with your wishes."

" Perhaps," said Mrs. Dean, " if you are both prepared to make the sacrifice which Minnie suggests, your desires may be gratified.' '

" I'm sure," said Ella, " I shall forego any additions to my wardrobe as cheerfully as sister for the pleasure of the excursion with father, but I want him to do just as he thinks best without importunity."

" Well, sister," said Minnie, " you may do as you please, but I remember the story of the importunate widow in the Scriptures, and shall try to profit by her good example."

"And I will help you, Min," said the brother, " for it will be so nice to have you and Ella with us. Father was going to buy one of Old Tage's skiffs for me, and I will do without that to help along, and will tell him so."

" That is very generous, my son, for I know you have wanted the boat very much, and your sacrifice will aid materially in removing the difficulties in the way of your sisters accompanying you."

Minnie now repaired to the study, where she was always welcome, determined to try the moral suasion of kisses in securing permission to be one of the expected party. She crept softly into the room and up behind the father's chair as he was busy with his pen, and the first knowledge he had of her presence was a loving embrace and a pair of ruby lips pressed to his own.

" Well — well — my — pet !" he exclaimed, as- he could get the words out at intervals between the kisses ; " what is wanting now ?"

" Why, papa, just what you are getting/ ' was the affectionate reply of the daughter.

" Ah, now, you minx, you would not have father flatter himself that his old lips have so much relish that you shower your kisses upon them just for the enjoyment? No, no, I think there is a smack of wheedling in their taste, so out with it."

"Now, papa, I do love to kiss you just for itself, for you are a real dear, good papa !"

" Yes, yes, daughter, I will not question that statement ; but just now there is some other motive that increases the number above the usual quantity. There is a little diplomacy in this lavish expenditure of sweetness, so you may as well state the conditions."

" Dear papa," said Minnie, coaxingly, " you are going to take Milton to Mauch Chunk and give him a ride around the Switchback railroad."

" Yes, my pet, I have cherished some such intention lately."

" Now, papa, don't you think it would be real nice to take me and Ella with you?"