An address, delivered at the annual commencement of the Berkshire Medical Institution, Pittsfield, December 23, 1824 / By Rufus William Bailey.

  • Bailey, Rufus William, 1793-1863.
Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An address, delivered at the annual commencement of the Berkshire Medical Institution, Pittsfield, December 23, 1824 / By Rufus William Bailey. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    9/24 (page 9)
    on the heaven born intellect, which, although chastened and com*- mended by the humblest professions of piety, spends all its ener¬ gies in endless deliberations, and punctilious scruples, while the vigor of its powers is exhausting in the effort, and the time for successful action passes by forever. And while the former rnay often command our admiration, the latter will always beget our contempt. Patience of suffering, the efficient virtue of a persevering mind, is necessary to secure the proper results from that indepen¬ dence and decision, which first lead the mind to attempt, and ex¬ pect great things. As we proceed, the mind must be prepared, not only for prolonged exertion, but for the changes incident to every condition, and the varieties which must attend all continued effort. As in prosperity, the mind is apt to be elated with pride, so in adversity it sinks in discouragement. But we have seen minds rising above their conditions, struggling against misfortune with fortitude, and preserving their own command in the midst of embarrassment. The same spirit which will sustain a man under misfortune, will enable him to provide with decision, for the exi¬ gency of cases in an unexpected derangement of his plans. If, however, his imagination overpower his reason, if the dread of disgrace, ot self denial, of suffering, and of losses, dwell with appalling apprehension on his mind, he soon sinks under the ef¬ fect, and gives himself over to despair. But the mind which looks with unconcern on misfortune, will rise above distraction, exert every power in the time of danger or of disappointment, and retain in ail events its dignity, although reduced to a low con¬ dition. For the developement of this trait of mental greatness, the philosophy of the stoics was admirably suited. Contempt of danger, and patience of suffering, formed a prominent part of their virtue. Roman greatness was built much on this feature of mind. It was associated with all their religious hopes, and was indispensibly requisite to the attainment of political honors. It was cherished bv all their forms of education, and entered into - . all the discipline of their youth. Eminent examples of this trait of character, are found among barbarous and savage nations, where it is the only virtue, and the only religion they know.— Hold out to man the purchase of heaven by patience in suffering,