They refuse to educate their sons for the ministry
because it is not a lucrative calling, though they give evidence of both
mental and moral adaptation for that holy office. Others, through a blind
zeal and a false pride, force their sons into this sacred calling. Mistaken
parents! rather let your children break stone upon the road, or dig in the
earth, yea, rather let them beg their bread, than thrust them into an
occupation to which God has not called them, and for which they have
neither inclination nor talents, and in which they would, perhaps, not only
ruin their own souls, but contribute to the damnation of others. "There are
diversities of gifts and of operations." All are not called nor fitted for
the ministry. Children soon give indications of specific talents and
suitableness for a calling in life. We should critically observe their
early propensities. These will indicate their peculiar talents. Unfit for
and disliking an occupation, they will become unsettled, and dissatisfied,
and at best will be but mimics and quacks. Their business will make them
sullen slaves. It is because of parental disobedience to this law of
adaptation that we have so much humbuggery in the world at the present day.
Study, therefore, the infantile predilections of your children to
particular employments. These will be an index to their providential
calling, and should govern your choice for them.
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