THE CALL OF THE LAND 



Parents' and preceptors' duty at this all- 

 important juncture in the life of the young 

 connects itself mainly with four points : 

 i. Aspiration. 2. Choice of calling. 3. 

 The necessity and blessing of work. 4. 

 Steadiness and persistence in what is under- 

 taken. 



Imagine a wise and loving father having 

 a heart-to-heart talk with his son the day the 

 latter completes his one-and-twentieth year. 



"My son," he says, "you are of age. You 

 possess sound health and morals. Sacredly 

 preserve these. You are now your own man, 

 and must henceforth, in a new sense, be the 

 creator of your own destiny. I love you 

 no less than ever, but just because I love you 

 I leave you to yourself, subject only to my 

 counsel when you seek. If I had great 

 wealth I would not give it to you. Gold 

 gotten without his own effort curses a young 

 man instead of aiding him. If you would 

 succeed, cherish large ambitions and lofty 

 aspirations. 'Hitch your wagon to a star,' 

 not to a stump. Believe in yourself. Let 

 your business be a calling, not a job. Aim 



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