The Cotman Letters 1834

very, very few in my department in life who are supereminent. Take History, Portrait, Landscape – & how very few out of the hundreds gain this mite – how very few are very eminent. Sir Fra[nci]s Palgrave’s few words are not to be lost sight of and lost.
He tells me “to be [blank space], keep your acquaintance compact and select. Trouble no one uselessly; and, when a thing is wanted in College or elsewhere, apply to the fountain head, and never let the Principal hear of a want you may have at second hand or indirectly. My dear Sir, this, I am aware, is your advice. “A word to the wise should always suffice.” This last sentence is yours many a long day since – to me. With my most sincere respects to Mrs Turner, believe me, my dear Sir,
Yours truly
J. S. Cotman

Pray, Sir, put in Latin for me – “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.”* I shall adopt it as my second motto, let the Herald’s College say what it will. But I am not so certain I shall not take it in the vulgar tongue after all. I am about to have a seal or signet ring, and I shall have it cut perhaps as on the other side.
[Sketch of coat of arms]
Not so large as this of course. On the garter, the motto, and in the vacant space + between the Garter & Arms “Man’s Extremity is God’s Opportunity” – No man has experienced this more than I have. I feel this truly, deeply, most ? & most mercifully.

[Note in pencil:] *This quotation comes from vol II of ‘A Faithful & Succinct Account of some late & wonderful Sea Deliverances’ by John Flavel 1630(?)-1691. Presbyterian divine.