All you need to do is to work; work hard, do not be afraid of over-working and you will make your mark." It will be easily understood that these words from a man whom he held in high respect were enough to fix the resolution of James.

If he were really so well fitted for the work and the career which his mother desired him to follow, it was surely his duty to make use of the talents which he had just discovered were his.
After that there was no more question about going to sea.

He deliberately decided to become a scholar, and then follow where Providence led the way.
He would have liked a new suit of clothes, but this was out of the question.

All the money he had at command was the seventeen dollars which his mother had offered him.

He must get along with this sum, and so with hopeful heart he set out for Geauga Seminary.
He did not go alone.