Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-11-18
EDUcATIoN-A PROFESSION.

1t IS a fact not to be disguised or denied,
that among the thousands of educated young
men who are emerging from our colleges
universities, &C., almost without exception,
nothing but a PROFESSION, as they term It, ~
all strikes their minds as a respectable man
ner to procure . living They can never
think of being any thing but an M d." or
an Attorney at Law ? or a Professor some
body . or at least an honorable Merchant
The idea Of turning their minds TO the acqui-
sition of some mechanical trade, or TO tinfag
the earth, would be humiliating in the ex-
treme.
Now, we have not a word to say against
the 'prosessions"-they are useful and hon
orable-but they are overstocked, and corIse-
quentty many are unable to make a living by
them. But the various branches of mechan-
les, and Of agriculture, cffer wide and prohts
BILE fields for the exertion and expenditure OF
the highest genius and talert. me young
sss~ sh&%mh~<ts~s3 Of these occupations,
need never be afraid that he VII be ruined
by competition or starved for want of bread.
IF a young man setting out in lifey turns his
thoJghts to the trade of tEe mechanic, every
thing, from the simplest Nove-tal and joint
to the beautiful arch and winding stair, the
balustrade and variegated ~cornice, the self.
supporting ascension-steps, the succeed bal
conv. or the towering column. will afford the
amplest range to his love of the curious ano
beautiful While the proud ship with its
strong ribs, scientifically formed hull, tower
ing masts and rustirg sails the %ponderou
locomotive, with breath Of fire and feet oFrol
the one blowing the watery main hike
thing of life; the other dasiAng through
mountain and over stream with the speed Q
a thousand giants-are we'll calculated to d
his mind with the grandest and subhmes
conceptions.
Should he choose rather to be a tiller of tn
earth, the analysing of the various soils, tn
adaptation thereto of the many manures, tn
anatomical comparison Of the numerous &c
nestle animals, examination of the manafol
, geological structures and formations of tn
earth, the botanical c1assiffcations of the mal
| titudinous plants and herbs, Will offer to IN
the widest field for an exercise alike profit
5 BILE to himself and useful for alternating Il
!, pains and adding to the enjoyments Of tt
. human family A man thus engaged is wo
thy to stand amid philosophers, patriots al
statesmen. He isapart Of the bone and sine
of the land, and one 9th directing spirits
. her council-cnambers. He is the Cincnm
{ tus who chooses rather to be regarded as t
unassuming ~bUsbandman, but to whom
II countrymen leok for IN example in times
peace, and upon whomthey will call for CT
dance amid scenes of trouble and danger.
: The occupations of the farmer and mechs
ic are at least worthy the serious attention
>, any young man who is in doubt respect
:, the choice of a profession, and offer the
= dest range for the industrious, enterprise
at and talented
But remeIaber, young min when you h;
selected your profession, 9hakitis by la
that you are to rise. Labor omnio Ciact
Steady, patient labor Will bear you triumph
over every obstacle. It is the magic wa
- that turns to its aid every impediment
- meets, before whose mighty influence
waves of thesea stand still, and the mounts
of the earth yield and give way.