Mr. Ribeau studied young Michael’s work, checking for crooked stitches and traces of glue. But after just two years of training, the young book-binding apprentice was already quite proficient.
“You’ve done a fine job, my boy!” Mr. Ribeau praised.
A small smile curled on Michael’s face. “Thank you, sir. This is the last book for today. May I go work on my experiments, please?”
Mr. Ribeau chuckled. “Of course. Off with you!”
Michael scurried to the back room where his master had given him space to investigate his favorite subject: electricity.
Interest had begun five years before in 1803 when Michael became an errand boy for Mr. Ribeau. Michael would read the books that came into the London shop for binding. Even though he attended school for just two years, Michael read with competence.
The volumes on science especially intrigued him, and he desired to conduct his own experiments. Kind Mr. Ribeau had made it possible. He also provided extra pennies now and then to attend scientific lectures.
Another book captured Michael’s attention: The Improvement of the Mind by the famous hymn-writer, Isaac Watts. Michael determined to follow Watts’ advice including: read worthwhile books, take thoughtful notes, and “ever maintain a virtuous and pious frame of spirit.”
No doubt Michael’s heart was primed for such a book, since he came from a Christian home. And as he grew into manhood, Michael embraced his faith in Jesus with ever-maturing dedication.
One day Mr. Ribeau presented Michael with four passes to attend presentations by Sir Humphrey Davy, a renowned chemist. At each lecture, Michael took careful notes. Later he bound them into a beautiful book.
In 1811 at age nineteen, Michael completed his apprenticeship, but had no desire to become a bookbinder. Though just a tradesman with little schooling, he sought a position with one of the scientific institutions, including Sir Davy’s prestigious Royal Institution.
With that application, he sent his precious notebook from Davy’s lectures, hoping to convince the great chemist of his passion for the sciences. But no position was available.
In 1813 an invitation arrived for Michael to interview with Davy, and he was hired as a laboratory assistant. Michael quickly proved himself, assisting Sir Davy at his lectures. Six months later, Davy selected Michael to accompany him on a two-year lecture tour through Europe.
When they returned, Michael pursued his scientific studies with passion. He researched steel, hoping to make it stronger. He sought to improve lighthouse lamps, prevent corrosion of ships, clean up the pollution in the Thames, and preserve art works and sculptures.
Michael was the first person to liquefy chlorine and discovered a new element, later named benzene, that’s used in dyes, nylon, and plastics. Further discoveries included the process that produced refrigeration and the potential use of ether as an anesthetic.
But he didn’t neglect his first love, electricity. Michael invented the transformer and the dynamo that created electricity without a battery. His discoveries also paved the way for the electric motor. In fact, Michael Faraday has been called “the scientific genius who gave electricity to the world” (1).
Such research propelled Michael into elite circles. He became director of the Royal Institution where he’d begun as an assistant to Sir Davy. Oxford University awarded him a doctorate, and he was invited to become a member—even president–of the prestigious Royal Society. He declined the position.
In spite of great success, Michael Faraday remained a humble man, uninterested in the fortune he could have amassed, manufacturing his inventions.
To Michael, the pursuit of scientific studies was a holy calling, and to understand even a fraction of nature’s workings was a gift from God (2) –much more valuable than money.
But not all his waking hours were devoted to science. Faraday was an active church member, serving as elder for more than 20 years, frequently leading in worship and even preaching.
Faraday also demonstrated faith-in-action. For example:
He proved himself a forgiving man on many occasions. One time the elders removed him from their circle—even church membership for awhile–because he accepted an invitation from Queen Victoria for Sunday lunch, which meant he couldn’t be at church.
But Michael continued to attend services and remained cordial to all, including those who’d hurt him.
Michael demonstrated grace. He and Sir Davy differed in opinion more than several times, but the younger scientist always expressed admiration for his mentor.
Michael’s generosity was also well known. He supported charities and visited the poor. And when his mother became widowed, he also supported her.
Throughout his career Michael expressed gratitude to God that he, a poor, uneducated tradesman should be privileged to explore the beauty and synchronization of God’s physical laws of creation.
In 1861, the aging Faraday wrote to a friend, “The contemplation of death [is] a comfort—not a fear. Such peace is alone in the gift of God. . . His unspeakable gift in His beloved Son is the ground of no doubtful hope” (3).
Michael Faraday proved himself a man of intelligence and integrity, but also of strong faith in God, and in the end, peace.
Isaac Watts would have been pleased, and no doubt so is God (Psalm 147:11).
Notes:
2. https://crev.info/scientists/michael-faraday/
3. Ibid
Sources:
Heroes of the Faith: Michael Faraday
https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/drinking-from-a-fount-on-sundays
https://christiantoday.com.au/news/michael-faraday-his-christian-faith-influenced-his-science.html
https://creation.com/michael-faradaygods-power-and-electric-power
Michael Faraday
Art & photo credits: rawpixel.com (2); http://www.lookandlearn.com; http://www.picryl.com; http://www.lookandlearn.com; http://www.azquotes.com; http://www.lookandlearn.com.
From the Inside Out 
What an amazing man, Nancy! He recognized and pursued his God-given gifts, and enriched the lives of others in countless ways. On top of that, he remained a devoted and humble Christian. Thanks for sharing his remarkable life with us.
Blessings!
You are most welcome, Martha. I’m always delighted when readers find heroes of faith as interesting and inspiring as I do. Agreed: Faraday is a worthy hero to encourage our faith and work!
This is such an intriguing story, Nancy, and you told it well! You kept me reading happily to the end. That’s saying a lot—for a squirrel 🐿 like me.
Michael Faraday’s story reminds me of Abraham Lincoln, who once told a young would be lawyer, “Your own desire to succeed is more important than any other one thing.”
Cream always rises to the top, especially with sufficient churning.
God Bless!
Thank you, David. I’m so glad the story held your interest. I love learning about our heroes of faith, but realize not everyone does. In spite of serious tightening (and the omission of some fascinating details!) this post is a bit long also–lots of folks prefer short and sweet! I LOVE your closing remark about the necessity for sufficient churning. Brilliant!!
If the story is good, and it’s told well, write as many words as you like, Nancy!
Thank you, David!
Never heard this story before. Inspirational!!
I didn’t know anything about Faraday either–can’t remember now how his name even came up. But it was a pleasure to learn about him as I researched!
As you know, I love reading about history, especially biographies of Christians. I thoroughly enjoyed this rendering and am in awe of this gentleman. In spite of all his amazing achievements he lived a life of humility, grace, and glorified his Savior. I look forward to meeting him in heaven someday, along with so many others.
I too was struck by his humility. Two more examples: Faraday turned down the honor of knighthood and a burial plot in Westminster Abbey. He had no interest in such prestige.
This was so interesting, Nancy. I love biographies. I’ve heard Michael Faraday’s name but knew nothing about him. God blessed him with brilliance, and he honored God with that gift. What an example to all of us!
I’m so glad you enjoyed Michael’s story, Patty. He did indeed honor God with his life!
What a remarkable historical perspective on the life of Michael Faraday–a man of faith first and incredible gifting in wisdom and creativity. Loved this–I knew nothing of the man, but I now have a deep appreciation for the choices he made in life–in faith, in his work, and in life in general. Thanks for this.
You’re most welcome, Dayle. I’m glad you agree that Michael Faraday is a worthy Christian hero to know!
I’ve learned about so many men and women of faith through your blog, Nancy. Thank you! It’s so encouraging!
Thank you, Mary. Believe me, I’ve learned much myself as I’ve researched–and loved every minute!
Wonderful post Nancy, There is so much good history I find I know nothing about. Thankyou for this.
Thank you and you’re welcome, Gary. Indeed, there must be countless heroes of the faith we’ll know nothing about this side of heaven. What discoveries await us THERE!
Your words have painted an excellent photo album of Faraday’s life, Nancy. My youngest daughter read a biography about Michael Faraday for science last year. I was so excited when I read “book binding” and Mr. Ribeau at the beginning. Michael just had to be Faraday. I love reading the stories of great scientists and mathematicians who are successful in their field of study and revere the Lord and give glory to His name like Faraday ,George Washington Carver and Blaise Pascal
Agreed! There are those who think geniuses would never embrace Christianity. The men you mentioned and SO many more prove them wrong. Several years ago I wrote two posts, back-to-back, to refute such a claim: https://nancyaruegg.com/2019/08/29/theres-no-such-thing-as-a-christian-genius/
This is great Nancy!! Thank you so much for sharing the link. I kept saying, “Wow” as I read. I think the mini bios that touched me most those about James Maxwell and Sir Simpson
I’m honored you took the time to read this post from the archives, Beth!
Nancy, thanks for continuing to share the classics, these historical stories that ring home even in 2022. Good stuff!
Thank you, Linda. I love writing them!
Inspiring story, Nancy! Thanks for sharing Micheal’s life with us, another great example that we are given free-will and ultimately have the choice to glorify God or choose a life of selfishness.
Glad to read life stories of those who pursue Christ without hesitation or hinderance from the world’s harsh calling.
Amen, Alicia–so well said. We can draw inspiration from others like Faraday who have enjoyed sweet communion with God in the midst of hardship and challenge.
Wow. What a story. Thank you so much for this. It is such an encouragement in the LORD. Will be sharing it with others. My brother is a Michael 😊.
I especially love this (feel the same way): “The contemplation of death [is] a comfort—not a fear. Such peace is alone in the gift of God. . . His unspeakable gift in His beloved Son is the ground of no doubtful hope”.
Recently, when we went “home” after 4.5 years away (we live in the Netherlands), we took our girls to Rutherford’s Den in Christchurch, New Zealand (where I partly grew up). I saw so much Jesus in the stories shared there too: humble women who served without recognition alongside famous men – and to whom we owe breakthrough after breakthrough in various fields.
You are most welcome, Anna. As I’ve mentioned to other commenters above, I greatly enjoy researching/writing these posts, so the pleasure is mine as well. / Does your brother Michael know about Michael Faraday? He shares his name with a highly distinguished gentleman! (And you share yours with an exemplary woman of the Bible!) / I too liked that quote of Faraday, which adds confidence to what we believe, doesn’t it? / I’ll have to look up Rutherford’s Den–haven’t heard of it before! / Thank you, Anna, for your thoughtful comments, and also for becoming a follower of my blog. I am honored.
I can imagine it being a lot of fun to research 😊. I don’t think he does know of him. I sent him the link to your post and I also sent it to my spiritual Mama to send to her best friend for her adopted son called Michael (my age). She was blessed also. He’s been going through a really hard time (as has my adopted brother too). Thank you for being an encouragement for them also.
And thank you for giving me the opportunity to reach out to others, Anna.
Nancy,
Love to hear famous believers who made an impact. There is an awesome impact then.
Thanks, Gary
You’re welcome, Gary. You’re right: the impact of geniuses like Michael Faraday is surely augmented because they allow GOD to work through them!
I’m sure Faraday received a passing mention in my grade school science classes Nancy (and if I recall, some unit of electricity is named after him), but from the story you share here he deserved more attention. I found it fascinating he was a man of science AND a man of faith, which by some definitions isn’t possible. I admire his pursuit of a fulfilling life, which is something to be learned from all by itself.
Those who say that people of science can’t be people of faith haven’t done much research to back up their claim! Several years ago I highlighted just nine Christian scientists in one post: https://nancyaruegg.com/2019/08/29/theres-no-such-thing-as-a-christian-genius/ . Of course there are many more, including Michael Faraday!