Consider the lilies : an address delivered at the opening of the course of lectures in physiology in the Victoria University of Manchester / by William Stirling.

  • William Stirling
Date:
1910
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Licence: In copyright

Credit: Consider the lilies : an address delivered at the opening of the course of lectures in physiology in the Victoria University of Manchester / by William Stirling. 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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    pure white walls and floor is flooded with a soff morning light. Mary's couch is almost entirely while. A small blue curtain shades the face of the sleeper, while an embroidery frame with an unfinished lily on a bright red ground stands at the foot of the couch. To the left is the Archangel Gabriel with a Lily in his hand, the whole picture, Ihough its drawing and perspec- tive are not flawless, exhibits what has been called the “ spiritual simplicity ” of Itossetti. THE WATEE LILY. A Chinese aiithor, writing in the Xltli century, thus sete forth his admiration of the Water Lily: — ‘‘ How stainless it rises from its slimy bed I How modestly it reposes on the clear pool—an emblem of purity and truth! Symmetrically j)erfect-, its subtle perfume is wafted far and wide; while there it rests in spotless state, something to be regarded reverently from a distance, and not to Ix' profaned by familiar approach.” SYM HOLISM. Perhaps I can best interi'st you if, at the beginning, I try to link up some of the facts of plant life with the symbolism of Xature as ]iortrayed by the imagination of paefs and philosophers. In consiilering the Lilies merely as Flowers we might well begin with the words of Henry Ward Beeeher— “ Flowers are the sweet<“st things God ever made and forgot to put a soul into.” When we turn to the Fitrns of the Eart.h, Liebig said, a cornfield represents Gixl’s battalions against hunger. How extjuisitely tine, truthful and picturesque is fhe saying of .lames Eussell Lowell anent the giddcui grains of Euskin’s “ fairv Forests we call Fields.” These grains Lowcdl calls Four months stinshine bound in sheaves.’ You remember Keat s oft (|Uoted lines, “ A thing of beauty is a joy for ever. Its loveline.ss increases.” COLOCE. AVhereA’er men are noble they love bright colour; and wherever they can live healthily, bright colour is given them in Sky, Sea, Flowers, and Living Creatures!” Euskin “ on Poppies.” (Proserpina).