Extracts from various authors, and fragments of table-talk : afternoons at L*********.

Date:
1883
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Extracts from various authors, and fragments of table-talk : afternoons at L*********. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    who need or desire a fixed place and specific desig- nation must consent to be set. Which of these frames is the best adapted to the nature of the indi- vidual, and allows him the largest and most com- modious room for exerting his powers for his own and the public good, is a question not in every instance very easy to determine. Fortunate, indeed, are they to whom it presents no difficulty, when the promptitude of decision arises from clearness of con- viction and not from the absence of thought. But, on the other hand, it is not always just to attribute even a long fluctuation to levity or caprice. I must further observe that the particular change [of pro- fession,] which has led to these remarks is of no very uncommon occurrence; but one of which I could produce a great number of examples ancient and modern. — Bp. Thirlwall, Literary and Theological, i88i, p. 93. After delivering prizes, the gaining of which has depended solel}^ on merit, I may be expected to ^ end with the usual encouraging peroration, that | industry and ability command success. But I can p not, except in a modified form, agree to this copy- .L book maxim, when applied to your future struggles . with the world. Doubtless few who are prudent, ■* i energetic, and industrious, fail to attain some- fair ] degree of worldly success ; but the race is not always to the swift, or the battle to the strong. Circumstances affect efforts,—promoting, arresting, or diverting them. The road to success is often