THE CALL OF THE LAND 



calling. If you are averse to it for any 

 good reason, turn elsewhere, and turn reso- 

 lutely. Among the worst mistakes parents 

 ever make in planning for their children 

 is the effort to coax or force sons into the 

 old business at the old stand. Let us, by all 

 means, urge the dignity and promise of life 

 upon the farm, yet it is as good as certain 

 that some of our sons would best leave 

 farming for some other pursuit. Perhaps 

 my boy, reared at the old homestead, will 

 acquire fame and fortune as an artist, a 

 surgeon, a preacher, a statesman. Do not 

 try to down what is clearly a native bent. 



"Work with energy, enthusiasm and un- 

 flagging perseverance. Nothing is achieved 

 in any calling without this. 



"The great teacher, Francis Wayland, 

 from whom came the idea that bystanders 

 often size up a man better than he can do 

 it himself, used to say, 'If sagacious people 

 near you think you able to master a difficult 

 and desirable position offered you, accept 

 it; only, when you get it, work like Satan.' 



"Work at high voltage. Never dawdle, 



224 



