The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1890-01-02
Published by permission of Tie Coagregutionalist
THE DECISION.

mother and | had many converse
lions upon the subject of the last
chapter Size was very decided in
her opinion, and remained firm in
her conviction that the only way was
to begin the work of preparation.
The result was that [ concluded to
resume my college course where |
left off almost two years before. But
it seemed best to spend the remain
der of my time nearer home where
my expenses would be less. Hence
| wrote the president as follows:
Dear Sir: You may remember
that left your college nearly two
years ago, on the death of my father,
and did not return on account of
changes in our pecuniary affairs.
About one year ago I think I was
converted, and since that time [ have
felt a growing conviction that I
ought to preach the Gospel. This [
cannot do without more preparation.
But as | shall be almost entirely de-
pendent on my own efforts to main
tain my mother, sister and myself, [
have thought it might be better to
connect myself with some college
nearer home, where the expense may
be less. If you will send me certi-
ficate of my rank and advancement
when | left college, / shall be greatly
obliged to you. Very respectfully
yours,
The following reply came by re
turn mail:
Dear Sir: Yours is received. l
remember you very distinctly Was
sorry that you were compelled to
leave college when your father died.
Am glad that you have concluded to
begin new life, and that you feel it
your duty to enter the Christian min
istry. You certainly ought to com
plete your college course before en-
tering the theological seminary.
1t is a question whether you will
gain anything by changing your col
lege. You are acquainted with the
teachers, the manners and customs
here, and think your expenses can
be reduced as low as at any place
where you can obtain good advan-
tages.
Since receiving your letter, | have
talked with several Of our professors,
and they are all anxious that you
should return If you conclude to do
so, we will do all we can consistently
to assist you. A first class scholar
ship was vacated a few days ago by
the death of one Of our young men,
which | will assign to you. It will
pay little more than your tuition.
There are a few free rooms; | think
you can have one of them. You can
have one next year without doubt.
You will receive some aid from the
Education Society, ard sometimes
benevolent individuals contribute
money and clothing which the facul-
ty distribute as they think best.
In addition, we will give you
chance to earn something by working
in or around the college. | think
the amount of aid which you will re-
ceive here will be sufficient to enable
you to complete your course without
mourning very large debt We
will do what we can for you, if you
conclude to come. I inClose the
certificate, but hope you will not
think best to use it. Yours truly,
- President.
1t seemed best to do as he pro-
posed. 1t was decided that I should
return to college at the commence
ment of the summer term, provided
/ could be released from my place in
the bank.
Next day I stepped into the direc-
tors room, when the president was
alone, and said to him, 81 have about
concluded to return to college and
complete my course, provided [ can
l. aleased from my engagement in
the bank" He was a man of few
words and very cautious in regard to
the selection of them He pointed
to a chair, waited some time in 81
lence, and then asked, Have you
consulted your mother in regard to
your change of purpose?"
eyes, sir, she advised it.
"Have you weighed we'll the diff
terence between having a father to
pay all your bills, and earning
enough to meet your own expenses,
besides supporting your mother and
sister," he asked slowly.
Il am aware there will be a vast
difference" said l, "but | am willing
to live closely, work hard and sac
ri6ce many things in order to COM
plete my course of study"
He paused some time, as if weigh
ing the words he was about to utter,
and then said, "Well, John, you must
decide for yourself, but think you
will make a serious mistake if you
leave the bank. You are doing we'll
here, we shall soon increase your