The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1889-09-21
Choosing a Profession.

Twenty years ago, Thomas Scott,
of Pennsylvania. one of the shrewd-
est of railroad men. spent few days
In country village. An active,
bright.faced boy in the house where
he boarded attracted his notice. He
asked the schoolmaster what was
the capacity of the lad.
"He is dull" replied the school
master, "thick-headed and incapable
though willing enough to learn. His
father wishes to make a chemist of
him, but he cannot master the first
principles of the SCIENCE"
Mr.. Scott. watching the lad. OBJ.
served that in the affairs of daily life
his judgment was clear and just and
his observation keen. He showed,
too. a singular faculty for managing
his school.felIows. The bows parents
were induced to take him from
school. and Mr.. Scott gave him work
in the yard of a railway.
"Now." he said, you have no long
er to deal with books, but with
things and men. Make your own
way. I believe you can do It,"
It was the first time the boy had
been told that he was not wholly a
dolt. He proved to be energetic. in
telligent. and enthusiastic in his
work.
There was a certain firmness and
cordiality in his manner which gave
him control over his associates. Ee
was soon sent out upon the road
in charge of gang of men, A few
years later, when Mr.. Scott came that
way again, the young man was sup
erinteudent of division. He after.
wards rose steadily to the front rank
of his profession.
A boy is too apt to be Influenced in
the choice of his life-work by some
accident 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
lege is going to study law and he
must do the same.
Sometimes a pious father and
mother cherish fond hope that the
boy will devote his life to preaching
the gospel, and rather than disap-
point them, he does it with no fit.
ness nor zeal for the work.
In each case the lads life Is a fail
ure for the want of a little deIibera.
ton and a careful examination of his
natural abilities.
There are tens of thousands of boys
who must soon make choice of their
profession or trade, one of the most
momentous earthly questions which
will be set before them.
Don't be in a hurry. boys. Do not
let an incident 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 no
honorable place for you In the world.
There are talents and powers which
do not deal with books. God sends
no man into the world without pro.
yiding an occupation for him in
which he may earn respect. You
have yours.
But take care that the work is that
for which the tool is fitted. The mere
fact that the work seems pleasant and
attractive to you does not prove that
it Is fitted to your faculties. You
may be ambitious. but you cannot
climb a ladder without feet and
hands.
Learn the strength ofyour feet and
hands, find the right ladder. and then
trust only in God and to yourself to
make your way up it.