Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1872-06-06
From tho chronological journal for June
What Can I Do Bc8t9


What Can I Do Bc8t9
There is no question which concerns
parents more than that relating to the
choice Of pursuits for their sons and
The same is true Of young
men who are dependent on their own
resources, and who, instead Of ascertain
ing by the rules Of science what they
may become, simply drift along like q
floating log in river, and like the log
which, when it comes TO a shallow
place, sticks in the 1lud and b comes
an ugly "snag," to sink steamers or
other craft which may happen to
pass that way, these human sticks.in-
the-mud become clogs to the progress
Of the race. There are many thousands
Of them strong-armed and with good
intentions floating down the stream or
out on the sea hither and thither with
the wind or tide, drifting first upon one
shore then upon another, a little while
here and little while there, without
accomplishing anything.
Philanthropists establish institutions
to fit young men for the ministry, for
medicine, or the law, and among such
We often find only bungling instead of
method, competence, or science. A
thick thumbed, big listed boxer or butch
er is sometimes put in training for the
high Office of spiritual guide or media
tor between men and their Maker !;
having no fitness for the work, his ener-
gies and symrathies incline him to the
world and to worldly affairs; he may,
parrot-like, be taught to initiate and
even to preach according to the chosen
creed, but what fist he makes oft !!
AZ a bushwhacker, ox-team driver,
blacksmith, a maker of steam engines
or locomotives, a newer Of wood or a
drawer of water, he would be in his elc-
ment; but how sadly QUO Of place in
the pulpit! Another instance here
is a dclicately-cc instituted, eifeu,inate
young man (his mothers sony who is
advised, because Of his delicacy, to adopt
some sedentary, literary, or artistic pur
suit for which he has no particular
taste or adaptation, and he takes up the
easel and the brush with the hope Of
making an artist Of himself His spirit
is among fruits, flowers, and crops, in
the garden or on the farm he delights
in planting and in trimming trees, in
grating and training shrubs and vines ;
all his vacations are spent in tho couu-
try, where he rcvels in out-of.door exer-
cises. In this case good fruit-grower
or nursery man would be spoiled to
make poor or Indifferent artist.
This is the way Of the world to-day,
and is one reason Why there are 30 many
failures among men. Careful observa-
ton ON the part Of sensible parents f.:
the purpose of learning the tendencies
Of their children's minds, would enable
them to make a more sensible choice
than can be made by children. The
highest aspiration Of q bright youth Of
a dozen years may be to drive team
Of horses; he considers stage-driver q
great man, and almost envies him. A
little later in life he outgrows such a
desire, and would choose more wisely
aud something very different.
Now, if we are not greatly in error
it may be predetermined - to what
particular pursuits John, Charles
James, and Robert may each engage in
with every assurance Of reasonable sue
cess. How? Examine them carefully
learn what their peculiarities are. One
has all the faculties necessary for Q
first-class mechanic; another, for an ar
tist; another, for scientific pursuits, ane
would excel in medicine and surgery
another, for literature or authorship
aud another for the farm. One delights
in horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and poul
try; another prefers fruits and flowers
One would become navigator, explor
er, shipper,-delights to be among sail
crs. Let him be educated for the sea
= Why educated? So that he may ris'
I and become midshipman, mate, ant
captain. To those who can read char
; acter us others read print, it is easy t
p determine what each aud every one cal
E do best. Nor is it necessary that
person become a professional delincato
+ Of character to "put the right boy i
e the right place." It may be done b.
r one having general knowledge q
Phrenology-by one who can judge
the diffcrent-shaped heads. One ha
e long and high head J.; he should ~
S gage in something literary, scientific
}, or professional. Another has a hea
4 which is short, low, and broad; he vii
do best in heavy work in building raj
ways, bridges, Notifications, and tn
3 like. One adapted for the slaughte,
house would be quite out Of place in tn
pulpit, and vice versa.
A merchant has one caste of brai
!, and mind, while mechanic has anoth
er. A composer Of music would not b
content-would be out Of place.
!, laying stone walls or in digging bitches
i A good teacher can do better than labo
b at scrubbing; and trained statesma
f need not become or remain a stable. boy
1t is right and proper for each an
every human being to become all hi
. Maker intended him to be. Aspiratio
!, for Improvement and promotion is
worthy sentiment. Let each of u!
therefore, find out what We can do bes
. and fit ourselves as best we may for tn
greatest success, and the greatest hal
pincss which it may be possible for U
to attain, and God will bless us just i
, proportion to our real deserts.
WATcH.-"O mother did war
one Of those big oranges outside Dick
3 shop window"
You did not touch one, I hope, Ed
= dy," said his mother.
II did not, mother, but I had t
watch my hand hard not to let it grab,
replied Eddy.
"That's right, my boy, watch"
One of the best temperance sermon
ever delivered is this sentence by til
Rev. Samuel j. May: fit is Small
sacrifice for you to give up drinking
wine, do it for the sake Of others if
r is GREAT sacrifice, do it for your OWL