SERENITY

	   Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.
	It is the result of long and patient effort in self-control.
	Its presence is an indication of ripened experience, and of a
	more than ordinary knowledge of the laws and operations of
	thought.
	   A person becomes calm in the measure that he understands
	himself as a thought-evolved being, for such knowledge neces-
	sitates the understanding of others as the result of thought,
	and as he develops a right understanding, and sees more and
	more clearly the internal relations of things by the action
	of cause and effect, he ceases to fuss and fume and worry and
	grieve, and remains poised, steadfast, serene.
	   The calm person, having learned how to govern self, knows
	how to adapt himself or herself to others; and they, in turn,
	reverence the spiritual strength and feel that they can learn
	of that person and rely upon him or her.  The more tranquil a
	person becomes, the greater is his or her success, influence,
	power for good.  Even the ordinary trader will find business
	prosperity increase as he or she develops a greater self-cont-
	rol and equanimity, for people will always prefer to deal with
	one whose demeanor is strongly equable.
	   The strong, calm person is always loved and revered.  This
	one is like a shade-giving tree in a thirsty land, or a shel-
	tering rock in a storm.  "Who does not love a tranquil heart,
	a sweet-tempered, balanced life?  It does not matter whether
	it rains or shines, or what changes come to those possessing
	these blessings, for they are always sweet, serene, calm.
	That exquisite poise of character which we call serenity is
	the last lesson of culture; it is the flowering of life, the
	fruitage of the soul.  It is precious as wisdom, more to be
	desired than gold--yea, than even fine gold.  How insignifi-
	cant mere money-seeking looks in comparison with a serene
	life--a life that dwells in the ocean of Truth, beneath the
	waves, beyond the reach of tempests, in the Eternal Calm!
	   "How many people we know who sour their lives, who ruin
	all that is sweet and beautiful by explosive tempers, who
	destroy their poise of character and make bad blood!  It is
	a question whether the great majority of people do not ruin
	their lives and mar their happiness by lack of self-control.
	How few people we meet in life who are well-balanced, who
	have that exquisite poise which is characteristic of the
	finished character!"
	   Yes, humanity surges with uncontrolled passion, is tumul-
	tuous with ungoverned grief, is blown about by anxiety and
	doubt.  Only the wise one, only he or she whose thoughts are 
	controlled and purified, makes the winds and the storms of the
	soul obey.
	   Tempest-tossed souls, wherever ye may be, under whatsoever
	conditions ye may live, know this--in the ocean of life the
	isles of Blessedness are smiling and the sunny shore of your
	ideal awaits your coming.  Keep your hand firmly upon the helm
	of thought.  In the bark of your soul reclines the commanding
	Master; He does but sleep; wake Him.  Self-control is strength;
	Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power.  Say unto your
	heart, "Peace, be still!"