What an honour GOD shows to parents, when He gives a vocation to a child of theirs; and what a blessing is thereby bestowed on the whole family! And surely, if there is merit laid up for the one who, in answer to GOD'S call, leaves father, mother, brother, sister, friend, to follow Him, there is merit also for those who make perhaps an equally great sacrifice, even if it is somewhat grudgingly made. GOD will not forget the hearts and homes which have been made desolate because He has ravished a heart there. He is never outdone in generosity. Those who have given up their treasure on earth will find treasure in Heaven. Children sometimes give themselves unnecessary pain by presuming too readily that their parents' consent will be withheld. They will often find their parents more ready than they think to make the sacrifice. It is not likely that GOD would give a vocation in a family without making _some_ sort of preparation there for it. His ways are not our ways, and so it happens that there are many surprises. _Point III._--MARY'S VOW It is not known exactly when she made it--probably not on the day of her Presentation. She would take then the _Temporary_ Vow of Virginity, as all the pupils at the Temple school did till they left to be married. But some time during her stay in the Temple, Mary, probably unknown to anyone but GOD, Who inspired her, took a vow of _Perpetual_ Virginity. She could keep nothing back from GOD; He must have all. She presented herself "wholly acceptable unto GOD."