Life and Literature Part 109

But is not this the stuff of which also the Livingstones and the Macleods are made? Was not this the spirit which set the brave Sir Walter Scott to work, when sinking into his later years, to overtake his fearful loss of one hundred thousand pounds? Is it not a commentary upon that especial proverb which we have said so ill.u.s.trates the Scottish character, "He that tholes (or endures) overcomes?"

--_Chambers Journal._

1505

Better ask twice than lose your way once.

1506

THE FATE OF PEt.i.tIONS.

Pet.i.tions not sweeten'd With gold, are but unsavoury, oft refused; Or if received, are pocketed, never read.

--_Ma.s.singer._

1507

Jenny Lind was frequently known to pa.s.s un.o.bserved from her residence, as if to make a visit, and had been traced to the back lanes and cottages of the poor, whose wants she ascertained and relieved. Several times she had been remonstrated with, and warned by her intimate friends against being imposed upon. She always replied, "Never mind; if I relieve ten, and one is worthy, I am satisfied."

1508

NAME OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN.

A philanthropist, when a candidate for the ministry, was traveling on one occasion from Strasbourg. It was in the winter time. The ground was deeply covered with snow, and the roads were almost impa.s.sable. He had reached the middle of his journey and was among the mountains; and by that time was so exhausted that he could stand erect no longer. He was rapidly freezing to death, and sleep began to overpower him. He commended himself to G.o.d, and yielded to what he felt to be the sleep of death. He knew not how long he slept, but suddenly became conscious of some one rousing him. Before him stood a wagon-driver in his blue blouse, and the wagon not far away. His rescuer gave him a little wine and food, and the spirit of life returned. He then helped him upon the wagon, and brought him to the next village. Oberlin, the philanthropist, was profuse in his thanks, and offered money, which his benefactor refused. "It is only a duty to help one another," said the wagoner; "and it is the next thing to an insult to offer a reward for such a service."

"Then," said Oberlin, "at least tell me your name, that I may have you in thankful remembrance before G.o.d." "I see," said the wagoner, "that you are a minister of the Gospel. Please tell me the name of the Good Samaritan." "That," said Oberlin, "I cannot do; for it was not put on record." "Then," replied the wagoner, "until you can tell me his name, permit me to withhold mine."

1509

_A Sensible Answer._--A story is told about Wendell Phillips--a story that must have made even the serious-minded Abolitionist laugh heartily: He was in a hotel in Charleston, had breakfast in his room, and was served by a slave. Mr. Phillips spoke to him as an Abolitionist, but the waiter seemed to be more concerned about the breakfast than about himself. Finally Mr. Phillips told him to go away, saying that he could not bear to be waited upon by a slave.

The other remonstrated: "Scuse me, ma.s.sa, but I's obliged to stay yere, 'cause I's 'sponsible fo' de silverware."

1510

MY FIRST PATIENT.

A lady sent for me in haste to come and see, What her condition for a cure might be.

Dear me! a patient--what a happy tone, To have a patient, and one all my own-- To have a patient and myself be feed, Raised expectations very high indeed-- I saw a practice growing from the seed.

--_Wm. Tod Helmuth._

1511

Fretting is the doctor's best friend all over the whole world.

1512

Temperance and toil are the two real physicians of mankind.

1513

The purse of the patient frequently, alas! protracts his cure.

--_Zimmerman._

1514

Physic, for the most part, is nothing else but the subst.i.tute of exercise and temperance.

--_Addison._

1515

To pity distress is but human; to relieve it is G.o.dlike.

1516

The thirsty earth soaks up the rain And drinks and gaps for drink again; The plants suck in the earth, and are With constant drinking fresh and fair.

--_A. Cowley._

1517

THE BREVITY OF PLEASURES.

Pleasures are like poppies spread, You seize the flower, its bloom is shed; Or, like the snow-fall in the river, A moment white, then melts forever.

--_Burns: Tam O'Shanter._

1518

There is a certain dignity to be kept up in pleasures as well as in business.