"I don't think you have any right to become a sailor." "No right?
Oh, you mean because mother objects." "That, certainly, ought to weigh with you as a good son; but I referred to something else." "What then ?" "Do you remember the parable of the talents ?" James had been brought up by his mother, who was a devoted religious woman, to read the Bible, and he answered in the affirmative.
"It seems to me that you are responsible for the talents which God has bestowed upon you.

If you have the ability or the brain, as you call it, to insure success in a literary career, don't you think you would throw yourself away if you became a sailor ?" Mrs.Garfield, who had listened with deep interest to the remarks of the young man, regarded James anxiously, to see what effect these arguments were having upon him.

She did not fear disobedience.

She knew that if she should make it a personal request, James was dutiful enough to follow her wishes; but she respected the personal independence of her children, and wanted to convince, rather than to coerce, them.
"If I knew positively that you were right in your estimate of me, Mr.
Bates, I would go in for a course of study." "Consult some one in whose judgment you have confidence, James," said the teacher, promptly.
"Can you suggest any one ?" asked the boy.
"Yes, Dr.J.P.Robinson, of Bedford, is visiting at the house of President Hayden, of Hiram College.

You have heard of him ?" "Yes." "He is a man of ripe judgment, and you can rely implicitly on what he says." "As soon as I am well enough I will do as you advise," said James.
"Then I am satisfied.