[34] “The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner.”
[35] “This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.”
[36] See Manning’s Life, vol. ii, pp. 695-6 notes (first edition).
[37] See Manning’s Life, vol. ii, p. 574.
CHAPTER XXII
ERRATA
“In whom the dear Errata column
Is the best page in all the volume.”
T. Moore.
Apologia: I am doubtful whether this record of human error should be published here. Out of every possible hundred readers must be deducted (1) teachers and examiners who are satiated with errata and have ceased to be amused; (2) those who, like the benevolent critic of the “Rejected Addresses,” think some of the answers very good, and do not see why they should be rejected; (3) those who require a surgical operation before they can be made to see any humour in error. Yet there is a remnant, and for the remnant’s sake let the chapter stand. The rest may skip.
“You must get very amusing answers from the children in school, do you not?”
This was a favourite opening at lunch or dinner, when my neighbour had found out my profession. I have usually replied that if I asked a silly question, I was likely to get a silly answer: if I asked a sensible question, and put it in plain English, understanded of the people, the chances of amusement were few. By long experience one gets to know the way in which children reason, and any neglect of caution might lead to dreadful results.
For instance, there was my old friend, the Rev. Mr. Playne. He was inspecting a school that I knew well, and was led by some word in the reading lesson to enquire about professions.