Let every young man have faith in himself, and take an earnest hold of life, scorning all props and buttresses, all crutches and life-preservers. Instead of wielding the rusted swords of valorous forefathers, let him forge his own weapons; and, mindful of the Providence over him, let him fight his own battles with his own good lance. SELECTION XIII PRAYER IN BATTLE Father, I call to Thee. Roaring enshrouds me, the din of the battle, Round me like lightning the leaping shots rattle. Leader of battles, I call to Thee. Father, Thou lead me. Father, Thou lead me. Lead me to victory, lead me to death; Lord, at Thy pleasure I offer my breath. Lord, as Thou wilt, so lead me. God, I acknowledge Thee. God, I acknowledge Thee. So when the thunders of battle are breaking, As when the leaves of the autumn are shaking, Fountain of grace, I acknowledge Thee. Father, Thou bless me. Father, Thou bless me. Into Thine hand I my being resign; Thou didst bestow it--to take it be Thine. Living and dying, O bless me. Father, I honor Thee. Father, I honor Thee. Not for earth's riches unsheath we the sword; 'Tis our hearts we protect; 'tis Thy temples, O Lord; So railing or conquering, I honor Thee. To Thee, God, I yield me. To thee, God, I yield me. Round me when death's fiery tempest is rushing, When from my veins the red currents are gushing, To Thee, O my God, do I yield me. Father, I call to Thee. _Theo. Koerner_. LESSON XXXIV FRANKLIN'S TOAST Long after Washington's judicious and intrepid conduct in respect to the French and English had made his name familiar to all Europe, Dr. Franklin chanced to dine with the English and French ambassadors, when the following toasts were given:-- The British ambassador, rising, said: "England,--the sun whose bright beams enlighten and fertilize the remotest corners of the earth." The French ambassador, glowing with national pride, but too polite to dispute the previous toast, said: "France,--the moon whose mild, steady, and cheering rays are the delight of all nations, consoling them in darkness, and making their dreariness beautiful." Dr. Franklin then arose, and, with his usual dignified simplicity, said: "George Washington,--the Joshua who commanded the sun and moon to stand still, and they obeyed him." LESSON XXXV HUMANITY REWARDED Joseph the Second, Emperor of Germany, once received a petition in favor of a poor old officer, with a family of ten children, who was reduced to the utmost poverty. After making inquiries respecting the man, and satisfying himself of his worth, the Emperor determined to judge of his necessities by personal observation. Accordingly he went alone to the house of the officer, whom he found seated at table, with eleven children around him, dining upon vegetables of his own planting.