Studying a Profession

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 9, 1872

Studying a Profession.

THE world is full of unsatisfied, disappointed men, and, strange as it may seem, this class embraces those who successfully make wealth the principal object of life. It is less what we do for ourselves than what we do for others that gives peace of conscience at last.

Kepler was very poor, but he declared that he would rather be the author of the works that he had written than to possess the Duchy of Saxony. He rightly estimated the value of life.

The following article, from the Interior, is worthy of the careful perusal of those who have reached the turning point of their early career, not that all young men should study a profession, but that all should seek to do that which will render them most serviceable to mankind:

“The Commencement of N. College is just over. There graduated with high honor, after the laborious toiling of a long course of study, a young man, bright, talented, and withal and better than all, a Christian. Within one hour after his Commencement oration, he talked to me about his profession. The law opens up before him with many attractions. Indeed, as he tells me, he has already, in his “Senior vacation,” registered with a lawyer of some note at his own county-seat, with whom he expects to study. He has before him the example of an uncle, who has gained distinction and wealth at the bar. To him he now turns for advice. It was my privilege to be present at this interview.

“‘Uncle,’ said the young man, ‘what do you think about my studying law?’”

“‘That is a matter in which you must make up your mind for yourself. You may have a decided taste in that direction.’”

“‘I think I should like it very much.’”

“‘Well, suppose you would; might you not like something else as well, or even better? God has given you talents which you are bound to improve for his glory. Now, as it seems to me, the first question for you to decide is this: How can I best glorify God? Can I do this best at the bar, or can I do it better in the pulpit, in trying to win souls to Christ?’”

“The young man was silent. This view of the matter from such a source was evidently altogether unexpected by him. And it gave me great satisfaction to hear his uncle go on further, and say:

“‘I have, in the past twenty-seven years, been able, by the blessing of God, to make some money. I am worth—well, perhaps a quarter of a million of dollars, and made every cent of it by my own labor; and yet, I declare to you here to-day, that I would give it all freely if I could only preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ as my brothers are now doing.’ But I am now past forty-eight years of age—too old to think of preaching; but I would be greatly pleased to know that you are engaged in a work so noble and Christ-like. Again: This remember—happiness does not come as a matter of course, when you have gained distinction, or because you have large means at your command. There never was a greater mistake than this. I say to you frankly, that I am not the happy, free-from-care man to-day that I was twenty-five years ago. I know I have not the peace and contentment that this brother of mine has, although I have all that wealth can buy. I have nights of consuming care and wasting anxiety which are seen by no eye but the One that neither slumbers nor sleeps. Again, do not forget, after you have grasped fame, and honor, and large wealth, what a frail bubble you have in your hand. Take the case of Judge Y., of our own State. I suppose that he is by all odds the ablest lawyer we have. But look at him. He has just gone to the New England States, by the advice of his physicians, that he may there, freed from business care and anxiety, get relief from that terrible malady—softening of the brain. I tell you,’ continued the uncle, under emotion, ‘it is not all of life to live. You have something to do for the Master who has bought you; and nothing could please me more than to know that your life-work will be preaching of the gospel.’”