The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1872-03-22
Young Folks.
Choosing A Profession.
BY 8. II.


professions at very tender age. Lord
Nelson, entered the navy when only
twelve years old. The Duke of Well
ington graduated from military school
at seventeen. The Duke of Marlbo-
rough, deserting the splendors of the
court, sought the battlefield, when an
ardent youth of fifteen. Two OF our
wealthy New York merchants, when
only twelve years of age, engaged in
the business which they still follow sue
cessfully. In fact, 1t seems TO an OBJ.
servant eye, as If professions, impatient
TO be chosen, often select their own
agents, and storming heart, hands and
brain, make them captive to their will.
Whitefield the celebrated preacher, was
not only called, but chosen, for he COM
posed sermons while mopping the
rooms in his mothers tavern.
Many children are born with love
of adventure, and an unconquerable
fondness for the sea, or the woods and
fields, which they find 1t impossible to
resist. OF this class, were Sir John
Franklin the explorer, and Audubon
the naturalist. Occasionally, native
genius, and peculiar talents, assert
themselves so plainly, that there can
be no question with their possessors, as
to choice of career. The Quakers were
forced to acknowledge this, when they
saw what the child.artist, Benjamin
West, could accomplish with cat-hairs,
charcoal and chalk.
But early surroundings-or the force
of circumstances, decide the profession
of the majority. George Stephenson, Of
steam engine fame, was born eight
miles from Newcastle, and raised am oDg
the coal pits. When very little boy
he amused himself by making mills,
and clay engines. Linn@us, the cele-
brated Botanist, received his taste for
flowers in the little garden whore he
spent so many happy hours Of child.
hood. Daniel Webster was obliged to
copy law briefs and other legal docu.
ments, to partially support himself
while attending school. This practice,
first inclined him toward that profess
sion he afterwards adorned so brilli-
antly.
Now, if any of you are free to select
your own profession, unbiased by sur
roundings, force Of circumstances or
guiding talent, the world is before you.
Reflect seriously, and solemnly, ere you
decide upon your life's vocation. One
may remedy mistaken choice of pro-
fession, as did Sir John Hunter, the
first of English surgeons, originally a
carpenter, but there is always mourn
full recollection of wasted time. Do
not rely altogether upon your inclina-
tions, but use judgment and discretion.
Ask the advice of parents and friends.
Take into consideration your habits,
constitution and temperament. Aim
to seek the calling you are best qualifi-
ed to adapt yourself to. Determine
whether natural gifts and education,
have fitted you for the labor of head or
hands. Be sure which kind of employ
lucutS pCuChtpky VA hSpASOt - oNAeSN w
your tastes and constitution.
Then if your heart bounds with joy,
at the prospect of mastering a learned
profession, or if your fingers tingle to
ply the mechanics tools, let no consid.
erations of social rank or foolish pride
influence your choice. But unless, on
calm reflection, you recognize in your
self a peculiar fitness for the study and
practice of law, medicine or divinity, 1
would advise each of you who can, to
first learn a trade. Many young men
who are dependent upon their own ex.
ertions, acquire the art of book keeping,
as a preparatory step to business.
While they always find the knowledge
they acquire desirable, and valuable,
they also find lack of permanent sltu-
ations. And it is a notable fact, that
In new country where book keepers,
and professional men generally, are at
discount, the carpenter, blacksmith,
and even the jack ,of.all-trades is at a
premium, commanding plenty of work,
and the best of pay. OF one thing rest
assured, in learning trade you will
gain reserve capital, and to quote
plain, but homely language, "will al
ways have something to fall back up.
on" Hugh Miller, the geologist and
writer, first Clipped the rocks as a stone
mason, and if you will conscientiously
select department Of labor with regard
to usefulness toward God and man, you
may also rise to eminence and int1u-
ence.
Whatever the business of life, act well
your part, and provo to the world, that
the man ennobles the profession, not
the profession the man!