Benjamin West's Calling

Benjamin West was a Quaker and a man of deep religious feeling. His occupation as a painter caused some misgivings among the straightest of the Quaker faith. To some it savored of vanity that a member of their society should give himself up to follow decorative art. Very solemnly they called a meeting to discuss the question.

His extraordinary gifts none could deny, and when one of their number arose and declared that undoubtedly Benjamin’s artistic ability was a gift from God, they solemnly approved his calling. Members placed their hands upon his head, and, in a sort of ordination service, prayed for God’s blessing upon him in his career as a WORK 441 painter. West never forgot that solemn hour and devoutly fulfilled their prayerful wishes. You are called and or- dained to carry on, to help forward Christ’s Kingdom in the world.

Do it. Do it with persistence, with patience, with undying consecration.