reasons--one, so the lad would learn a trade, and the other to
make sure that the boy did not run away.

Parents who hold their children by force have a very slender
claim upon them. The pastor of the local Lutheran Church
took pity on this boy, who had such disgust for his father's
trade and hired him to work in his garden and run errands.

The intelligence and alertness of the lad made him look
like good timber for a minister.

He learned to read and was duly confirmed as a member of
the church.

Under the kindly care of the village parson John Jacob grew
in mind and body--his estate was to come later. When he
was seventeen, his father came and made a formal demand
for his services. The young man must take up his father's
work of butchering.

That night John Jacob walked out of Waldorf by the wan
light of the moon, headed for Antwerp. He carried a big red
handkerchief in which his worldly goods were knotted, and in
his heart he had the blessings of the Lutheran clergyman,
who walked with him for half a mile, and said a prayer at
parting.

To have youth, high hope, right intent, health and a big red
handkerchief is to be greatly blessed.