Emphasis Preaching Journal

James Burns, Esquire, farmer in Ayrshire, Scotland had two sons -- James the elder, and Robert. He educated his boys well and looked forward to the day when they would succeed him and carry on the family tradition as farmers. James took over the task when his father grew old. But Robert spent much of his time scribbling little pieces of poetry and was gaining a reputation with the boys at the Tarbolton Inn. On his deathbed, the father blessed James and handed on to him the sole responsibility of the farm. But he was grieved about Robert. He never did and never would make a good farmer.