The man who has no refuge in himself, who lives, so to speak, in his front rooms, in the outer whirlwind of things and opinions, is not properly a personality at all; ... he is one of a crowd. --Amiel. Happy the heart that keeps its twilight hour, And in the depths of heavenly peace reclined, Loves to commune with thoughts of tender power-- Thoughts that ascend, like angels beautiful. --Paul Hamilton Hayne. The art of meditation may be exercised at all hours and in all places; and men of genius in their walks, at table, and amidst assemblies, turning the eye of the mind inward, can form an artificial solitude; retired amidst a crowd, calm amidst distractions, and wise amidst folly. --Disraeli. Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. --Psalm 4. 4. Heavenly Father, save me from being so poor in spirit, that I will have to be sustained by the bright spirits of others. May I be continually refreshed by the spirit of life that may be found at all times. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-EIGHTH Francis Turner Palgrave born 1824. Frances E. Willard born 1839. General John D. French born 1852. Mary Anderson born 1859. Unless there is a predominating and overmastering purpose to which all the accessories and incidents of life contribute, the character will be weak, irresolute, uncertain. --Frances E. Willard. Life is not an idle ore, But iron dug from central gloom, And heated hot with burning fears, And dipt in baths of hissing tears, And battered with the shocks of doom To shape and use. --Alfred Tennyson. He that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.... A double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. --James 1. 6, 8. O God, help me to be positive. May I not want to be in so many places, and in so many things, that I can never be found in anything. Help me to know that a purpose secured is worth many attempts, and that to have a character I must build it. Amen. SEPTEMBER TWENTY-NINTH Pompey killed B.C. 48. Robert Lord Clive born 1725. Horatio Nelson born 1758. O strange and wild is the world of men Which the eyes of the Lord must see-- With continents, inlands, tribes, and tongues, With multitudes bond and free! All kings of the earth bow down to him, And yet--he can think of me. For none can measure the mind of God Or the bounds of eternity, He knows each life that has come from him, To the tiniest bird and bee, For the love of his heart is so deep and wide That it takes in even me. --Mary E. Allbright. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father: but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. --Matthew 10. 29, 30.