The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1889-09-04
Choosing a Profession.


Twenty years ago Thomas Scott, Of
Pennsylvania, one Of the shrewdest Of
railway men, spent few days in a com
try village. An attractive. bright-faced
boy in the house where he boarded at
tracted 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, but ne cannot
master the first principles Of that sci
ence.
Mr.. Scott, watching the lad, observed
that in the aGAirs Of daily life his judg
ment was clear and just, and his observa-
ton keen. He showed, too, singular
faculty for managing his school-fellows-
The boys 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 longer
to do with books. but with things and
men. Make your own way. | believe
you can do it,
Il was the first time that the boy had
been told that be was not wholly holt
He proved to be energetic, Intelligent,
and enthusiastic in his work. There
was certain firmness and eordiality in
his manner which gave him control over
his associates. de was soon sent cut
upon the road ia charge Of 4 gang Of
men 4 few years Later, when Mr.
Scott came that way again, the young
man was superintendent Of division
He afterward rose steadily 70 the front
rank in bis profession
boy is too apt to be Influenced IN
the choice Of his life-work by some ae-
ci,ient OF petty motive His father and
grandfather were successful physicians
or manufacturers. or butchers, and it
seems natural and right for him TO follow
in their footsteps OR his intimate
friend at college is gaing to study law
and he must 10 the same.
Sometimes a pious father and mother
cherish fond hope that the boy viii
devote his life to preaching the gospel,
and rather than disappoint TEN, he does
it, without real fitness or zeal FOR the
work.
In each case the lads life is a failure
for the want Of little deIiberation and
a careful examination Of his natural
abilities.
Among the readers Of the Companioa
there are tens Of thousands Of boys who
must soon make choice Of their profess
sion or trade, one Of the most momen-
tous earthly questions that will be set
before them.
Don't be in hurry, boys. Do not let
an incident decide for you Do not
choose an occupation because it is more
~genteel' than others. It is the man
who gives character and dignity to his
occupation, as to his clothes.
Do not think because you we're rated
dall at scnoot that there - no honorable
place for you in the world There are
talents and powers which do not deal
with books. God sends no one into the
world without providing some occupa-
ton for him in which he may earn re-
spect- You have yours.
But take care that the work Is that for
which the tool IS fitted. The mere het
that the work seems pleasant an attrac-
tive to you does not prove that it Is fitted
to your faculties. You may be ambitious,
but you cannot climb ladder without
feet and hands
Learn the strength Of your feet and
hands, find the right ladder, and then
trust only in God and TO yourself 10
make your way up YOUTHS compcsaoa.