Page:Transactions of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia (ser 03 vol 05).djvu/73

Rh been clone for him, than by what he did for himself. He had a lofty ideal, with great perseverance and tenacity of purpose; and with laudable ambition resolved from the beginning to win a high place in the Temple of Fame. It was this noble aspiration which led him to "spurn delight and live laborious days." His great talent, the common property of all who excel, was his capacity and disposition for work. He had set before himself a definite purpose; and the satisfaction he derived from the pursuit, the opportunity which it afforded of benefiting others, the self-discipline which it involved, and the training and development of his own faculties, were, other considerations apart, abundant recompense for all his toil. In this he acted with the enlightened forecast that makes both worlds its own; for though Christianity has respect to the moral rather than to the intellectual, the sage declares, what reason also approves, that— The more our spirits are enlarged on earth, The greater draught shall they receive of heaven."

One common fate awaits alike "those who creep and those who fly," but Dr. Wood nobly determined to be among the distinguished few whom posterity will cherish, rather than sink into oblivion with the unrecorded multitude; to make his path luminous with deeds of love to man; and to leave the world more blessed for his pilgrimage through it.—"Behold I have not labored for myself, but for all them that seek wisdom."

The toast of the day at the dinner given to Dr. Wood on his departure for Europe, describes him as "The model gentleman," and from this averment there will be no dissent. Courteous and urbane, his whole deportment was that of a