justly ambitious, and on
which your mind seemed so bent when we last communicated respecting
them. You know my opinion to be, that the field for actual usefulness to
our fellow-creatures, where a disposition to exercise it actively
exists, is more circumscribed and limited in the occupations and duties
of a clergyman, whose sphere of action, unless pluralities are admitted
(as I am sure they would not be advocated by you) is necessarily in a
great degree confined to his parish, than in those professions or
pursuits which lead to a more general knowledge, as well as a more
general intercourse with mankind, such as the law, taking it as a basis,
and introduction to public life, to which I had looked forward for you,
considering you, as I do, peculiarly well qualified to be made thus
eminently useful to others, with credit and satisfaction to yourself.
There is no doubt but as a clergyman, faithfully and conscientiously
discharging the duties of that office to those whose spiritual interests
are entrusted to your care, should you eventually be placed in that
situation, that you may have both comfort and satisfaction, with few
worldly responsibilities, but you will allow me to doubt whether the
picture your perhaps too sanguine mind has drawn in your letter before
me, would ever be practically realised. Be this as it may, whenever your
mind shall be finally made up on this most important subject, I shall
trust to its being eventually for your good, whatever that determination
may be. In the meantime I am certainly desirous that those studies with
which you have been occupied in reading for your degree may be followed
up, whether the shorter or longer period may be necessary to prepare you
for the results. You are young and have ample time before you. Let
nothing be done rashly; be consistent with yourself, and avail yourself
of all the advantages placed within your reach. If, when that ordeal is
passed, you should continue to think as you now do, I shall not oppose
your _then_ preparing yourself for the church, but I do hope that your
final determination will not until then be taken, and that whatever
events may occur in the interval, you will give them such weight and
consideration as they may appear to merit.... Your mother is much as
usual.--With our united and affectionate love, I ever am your
affectionate father,

JOHN GLADSTONE.

C