A young man, whom he had known as a boy, came to an aged professor of a distinguished continental university, with a face beaming
with delight, and informed him that the long and fondly-cherished desire of
his heart was at length fulfilled - his parents having given their consent to
his studying the profession of the law. As the university presided over by
his friend was a distinguished one, he had repaired to its law school, and
was resolved to spare no labor or expense in getting through his studies as
quickly and ably as possible. In this strain he continued for some time; and
when he paused, the old man, who had been listening to him with great
patience and kindness, gently said, "Well! and when you have finished your
career of study, what do you mean to do then?" "Then I shall take my
degree," answered the young man. "And then?" asked his venerable friend.
"And then," continued the youth, "I shall have a number of difficult and
knotty cases to manage: shall attract notice by my eloquence, and wit, and
acuteness, and win a great reputation." "And then?" repeated the holy man.
"And then!" replied the youth, "why then there cannot be a question- I shall
be promoted to some high office in the state, and I shall become rich." "And
then?" "And then," pursued the young lawyer, "then I shall live comfortably
and honorably in wealth and respect, and look forward to a quiet and happy
old age." "And then?" repeated the old man. "And then," said the youth, "and
then- and then- and then I shall die." Here his venerable listener lifted up
his voice, and again asked, with solemnity and emphasis– "And then?"
Whereupon the aspiring student made no answer, but cast down his head, and
in silence and thoughtfulness retired. This last "And then?" had pierced his
heart like a sword- had darted like a flash of lightning into his soul, and
he could not dislodge the impression. The result was, the entire change of
his mind and course of his life. Abandoning the study of the law, he entered
upon that of divinity, and expended the remainder of his days in the labors
of a minister of Christ.
"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace." Romans 8:5 - 6
This is a very wonderful story - thanks for sharing it. I heard a preacher mention this story and I had to find it - Google search led me to your blog. Thank you and God bless!
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