Residence in Arabia
A. Barnes. Galatians 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. The point thus suggested is the interval between the choice of a profession or calling in life and the entrance on the public duties of that profession or calling. I. The first point relates to THE PROFESSIONS OR CALLINGS WHICH MAY BE PROPERLY REGARDED AS PRESENTING THEMSELVES TO ONE WHO IS ABOUT TO EMBARK ON LIFE. 1. The first thing which strikes us on this point is the great variety of things to be done in the world, during any one generation; or the variety of the fields for exertion and employment. 2. The next point, under this head, relates to the variety of endowments among men, as adapted to these various occupations — endowments such that these various ends are in fact secured, and such that at the same time they are secured voluntarily, or so that men enter on their different pursuits not by force or compulsion, but of preference and choice. 3. A third remark under this head; the ends of life may be secured, the purposes of society advanced, and God may be honoured, in any one of these occupations and employments. II. In the next place, we have to inquire ON WHAT PRINCIPLES SHOULD SUCH A PROFESSION OR CALLING BE CHOSEN? 1. The first is, that the profession or calling should be selected in which the most can be made of life for its proper purposes; or, in which life can be turned to the best account. Life, though transitory, short, uncertain, has its purpose. 2. The second principle which I mention is, that, consequently, when there is a fitness for either of two or more courses of life, that should be chosen which under the circumstances will be most adapted to secure the ends of life. 3. A third rule would be that the profession or calling should be chosen which will be best adapted to develop the peculiar endowments of the mind, or which will be in the line of those endowments. 4. A fourth thing which is vital to any just views of life, to a proper choice of a profession, is, that that only should be chosen which is just and honourable; which is itself right, and is consistent with the highest standard of morality; and which can be pursued in all its ramifications, and always, and in all respects, on the principles of honesty, truth, justice, and fairness. 5. A fifth principle is that that course should be chosen in which there are the fewest temptations to evil. 6. A sixth principle is, that a young man should choose that which while it will conduce to his own individual interest and to the purpose of his life, will, at the same time, promote the general good of society, and contribute to the advancement of the race. 7. A seventh principle may be added. It is, that that calling should be selected which will not interfere with, but which will best aid the preparation for another world. III. These remarks and suggestions will enable us, in the third place, to answer the main inquiry with which we started — IN WHAT WAY SHALL THE INTERVAL BETWEEN THE CHOOSING OF A PROFESSION AND THE ENTRANCE ON ITS ACTIVE DUTIES BE EMPLOYED? 1. The first is, that time enough should be taken to prepare for the profession or calling which has been selected. 2. Secondly, the studies should obviously have reference to the future calling. 3. One thought only remains: It is, that the preparation for that profession should be — as the choice of the profession, and the profession itself should be — subordinate to the life to come — to the preparation for eternity. (A. Barnes.) Parallel Verses KJV: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. WEB: nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.