Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1889-11-02
Choosing II Profession.

Twenty years ago Thomas Scott, Of
Pennsylvania, one of the shrewdest of
railway men, spent few days In q
country village. An active, bright
faced boy in the house where he board
ed attracted his notice. He asked the
school-master what was the capacity of
the lad.
He is dull" was the reply. "Thick-
headed and incapable, though willing
enough to learn. His father wishes to
make a chemist of him, hut he can
not master the first principles of the
science"
Mr.. Scott, watching the lad. ohserv-
ed that In the affairs of daily life his
judgment was clear and Just, aud his
observation keen. He showed, too. a
singular faculty for managing his
school fellows. The bows PARENTS
were induced to take him from school,
and Mr.. Scott gave him work in the
yard OF railway.
Now" he said, "you have no longer
to deal with books, but with things
and men. Make your own way. be-
Ieve you can do it."
1t was the first time the boy had
been told that he was not wholly q
dolt. He proved TO be energetic. in
telligent, and enthusiastic in his work.
There was certain 1irmness and cor
dainty In hls manner which gave him
control over his associates. He was
soon sent out upon the road in charge
OF gang OF men. \ few years later,
when Mr.. Scott came thai way again,
the Young man was superintendent Of
division. He afterward rose steadily
to The front rank in his profession.
t a boy is too apt to be influenced in
che choice of his life-work by some ac.
cident or petty motive. His father
and grandfather have been successful
physicians, or manufacturers, or
butchers, and it seems natural and
right for him TO follow in their foot.
steps. Or his intimate friend at col.
ieSe is going to study law, and he must
do the same.
Sometimes pious father and moth
or cherish a fond hope that the boy
will devote his life to preaching the
gospel, and, rather than disapi ONT
them, he does it, with no titne IS nor
real zeal for the work.
In each case the lads life is failure
for the want of little deliberation and
a careful examination of his natural
abilities.
Among our readers there are tens Of
thousands of boys who must soor
make choice of their profession OF
trade, one of the most momentous
earthly questions which will be set be
fore them.
Don't be in hurry, Eoys. Do not
let an accident decide for YOU. Do not
choose an occupation because it is
more "genteel" than others. 1t is the
man who gives character and dignity
to his occupation, as to his clothes.
Do not think because you were rated
dull at school that there is 20 honor.
able place in the world for you. There
are talents and powers which do not
deal with books. God sends 10 man
into the world without providing an
occupation for him in which he NAV
earn respect. You have yours.
But take care that the work is that
for which the tool is fitted. The moro
fact that the work seems pleasant and
attractive to you does not prove that it
Is fitted to YOUR faculties. You NAV be
ambitious, but you cannot climb lad.
der without feet ard hands.
Learn the strength of your feet and
hands, find the right ladder, .Ad tncn
trust only in God and to yourself to
make your way up it,