I think one ought to pursue one's own line, to do one's own
business to the best of one's ability, and leave the rest to God.
If He means one to be in a big place, to do a big work, it will be
clearly enough indicated; and the only chance of doing it in a big
way is to be simple-minded, sincere, generous, and contented.

The worst of that theory is this. One sees people in later life who
have just missed big chances; some over-subtle delicacy of mind,
some untimely reticence or frankness, some indolent hanging-back,
some scrupulousness, has just checked them from taking a bold step
forward when it was needed. And one sees them with large powers,
noble capacities, wise thoughts, relegated to the crowd of
unconsidered and inconsiderable persons whose opinion has no
weight, whose suggestions have no effectiveness. Are they to be
blamed? Or has one humbly and faithfully to take it as an
indication that they are just not fit, from some secret weakness,
some fibre of feebleness, to take the tiller?

I am speaking with entire sincerity when I say to you that I think
I am myself rather cast in that mould. I have always just missed
getting what used to be called "situations of dignity and
emolument," and I have often been condoled with as the person who
ought to have had them.

Well, I expect that this is probably a very wholesome discipline
for me, but I cannot say that it is pleasant, or that use has made
it easier.

The worst of it is that I have an odd mixture of practicality and
mysticism within me, and I have sometimes thought that one has